RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The present study generated preliminary data on the acceptability and pharmacokinetics of nicotine administered by a simple metered-dose inhaler (MDI). METHODS: We conducted a nonrandomized, open-label cross-over trial of 10 current smokers. On Day 1, a single cigarette was smoked ad libitum. On Day 2, participants took 10 puffs (20 inhalations) of 50 microg nicotine/puff through the inhaler, and on Day 3, they took 10 puffs (20 inhalations) of 100 microg nicotine/puff, each over 5 min. Nicotine pharmacokinetics, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and the acceptability of the inhalers were measured and recorded. RESULTS: Nicotine administered by an MDI produced a median maximum plasma concentration that was about 50% of that obtained by smoking a cigarette (12.5 vs. 25.9 ng/ml) and took twice the time to reach that concentration, 6 versus 3 min. Self-rated satisfaction and reduced urge to smoke were similar for the MDIs and a cigarette. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that nicotine can be delivered effectively by the pulmonary route using a standard MDI. The inhaler appears to provide a satisfaction level and reduction in the urge to smoke relatively similar to that provided by smoking a cigarette. These conclusions require verification in a larger controlled study.
Assuntos
Inaladores Dosimetrados , Nicotina/administração & dosagem , Abandono do Hábito de Fumar/métodos , Tabagismo/tratamento farmacológico , Adulto , Pressão Sanguínea/efeitos dos fármacos , Feminino , Frequência Cardíaca/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Nicotina/farmacocinética , Nicotina/farmacologia , Agonistas Nicotínicos/administração & dosagem , Agonistas Nicotínicos/farmacocinética , Agonistas Nicotínicos/farmacologia , Satisfação do Paciente , Projetos Piloto , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Beta-(1,3)-glucan is a pro-inflammatory component of the fungal cell wall, indoor levels of which have only been considered in a few studies. This study assessed levels of beta-(1,3)-glucan in 35 domestic bedrooms. beta-(1,3)-glucan levels were estimated using a modified Limulus amoebocyte lysate kinetic assay. beta-(1,3)-glucan geometric mean levels (95% confidence interval) were 163.9 microg/g (129.5-209.3) from bedroom floors; 76,6 microg/g (61.4-94.0) from mattresses; 132.1 microg/g (68.9-207.9) from duvets; and 110.0 microg/g (82.2-146.4) from pillows. Synthetic bedding and older mattresses contained higher beta-(1,3)-glucan levels. Synthetic bedding contains higher levels of beta-(1,3)-glucan than feather bedding, which may be of importance to asthmatics.