Dry powder inhalers with partial dosage delivery
A dry powder inhaler dispenses a partial dosage of a powder from a dry powder chamber during a single user inhalation. In certain embodiments, the dry powder chamber is a dry powder capsule that spins in a chamber with a protrusion for limiting the spin of the capsule. In certain embodiments, a capsule slides in a proximal and distal direction for dispensing partial dosages of powder medicament. Air inlets in communication whit the external environment can be included in the inhaler housing for generating a smooth inhalation experience for the user and facilitating operation of partial dosage mechanisms. In other embodiments, a hinged member, sliding member, rotating member, spring tensioned member, pressure actuated valve, dry powder chamber with patterned holes or combinations of these are used as a mechanism for dispensing a partial dosage of powder medicament during a single inhalation.
1. A dry powder inhaler comprising:
a housing comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a chamber, and a protrusion protruding into the chamber; and
a capsule housed inside the chamber and containing a dry powder,
wherein the housing includes at least one opening in fluid communication with the chamber; and
wherein the protrusion restricts movement and spin of the capsule and causes a longitudinal axis of the capsule to be skewed with a longitudinal axis of the chamber, thereby causing only a portion of the dry powder within the capsule to be released into the flow of air upon inhalation such that a full dosage of the dry powder is delivered over multiple inhalations.
2. The dry powder inhaler of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the chamber tapers down in a distal direction.
3. The dry powder inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the chamber has a circular cross-section.
4. The dry powder inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the at least one chamber opening is angled.
5. The dry powder inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the movement is a sliding movement.
6. The dry powder inhaler of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a plurality of angled air inlets configured to facilitate vortex air flow.
7. The dry powder inhaler of claim 6 , wherein the protrusion interrupts the vortex air flow within the chamber.