Lactose, Inhalation

Synonyms: Inhalac; inhalation lactose; Lactohale; Respitose

Description: Lactose occurs as white to off-white crystalline particles or powder. It is odorless and slightly sweet-tasting.

Chemical Name: Inhalation lactose is lactose monohydrate, O-b-D-galactopyranosyl- (1!4)-a-D-glucopyranose monohydrate

Diluent; dry powder inhaler carrier.

• Inhalation lactose is widely used as a carrier, diluent, and flow aid in dry powder inhalation formulations.

• Inhalation lactose of suitable particle size can also be used to prepare soft pellets of dry powder inhaler formulations

Lactose is a reducing sugar. Typical reactions include the Maillard reaction with either primary or secondary amines.

Lactose is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations as a diluent in oral capsule and tablet formulations, and has a history of being used in dry powder inhaler formulations.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of the material being handled. Excessive generation of dust, or inhalation of dust, should be avoided.

See Lactose, Anhydrous; Lactose, Monohydrate.