:: Section 3
Cautions
The major problem with MDI devices is the difficulty of patient use. The most common error noted is the failure to coordinate inhalation and actuation of the inhaler (hand-breathing incoordination). Many patients may also cease inspiration as the aerosol strikes the throat or miss breath-hold after inhalation.
There are also other limitations and problems:
- Drug concentrations are fixed, and can not be adjusted for individual patients.
- Canister depletion is difficult to determine accurately.
- Patients may fail to shake and mix canister contents.
- Reactions to the propellants may occur in a small percentage of patients.
- High oropharyngeal impaction and loss occur
- Foreign body aspiration of coins and debris from the mouthpiece can occur.
- CFCs are released into the environment until replacement by non-CFC propellants.
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