The distribution of an intranasal insulin formulation in healthy volunteers: effect of different administration techniques
Newman, S.P.; Steed, K.P.; Hardy, J.G.; Wilding, I.R.; Hooper, G.; Sparrow, R.A.
Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 46(8): 657-660
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3573 PMID: 7815279 Document Number: 426173
The initial deposition pattern in the nasal passages and subsequent clearance of an insulin formulation labelled with 99mTc-human serum albumin have been determined in 12 healthy male volunteers. Four different administration modes from a novel aqueous spray device were compared, involving delivered volumes of 80-160 mu-L, and with either gentle or vigorous inhalation while firing the device. The entire dose was deposited in the nasal cavity, and no significant radioactivity was deposited in the lungs. A mean 25-33% of the radiolabel remained in the nose after 4 h. A significantly smaller area of the nasal mucosa was covered by the smallest (80 mu-L) bolus, but subsequent clearance rates did not vary significantly with mode of administration. Blood glucose levels fell after administration of the insulin formulation, but no serious episodes of hypoglycaemia occurred.