The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7256 p14
5 July 2003

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Letters to the Editor

Inhalers

Cleaning instructions differ among devices

From Dr A. Jones, MRCGP

I thank Emma Gilchrist and colleagues (PJ, 7 June, p792) for providing a timely reminder of the need to clean CFC-free inhaler devices to ensure their efficiency and reliability. However, I believe it is important to emphasise the need for health professionals and patients to follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions on the patient information leaflet carefully as these can differ from device to device.

The CFC-free inhalers from 3M are a case in point. For example, Airomir salbutamol CFC-free press and breath metered dose inhaler, should be washed periodically as described by Gilchrist et al. The breath actuated Airomir Autohaler on the other hand should only be cleaned with a dry cloth. The CFC-free beclometasone press and breath metered dose inhaler, Qvar, and the breath actuated Qvar Autohaler should both be cleaned with a dry cloth and should not be washed.

We understand that there is similar variation in the instructions for CFC-free inhalers from other manufacturers.

Andy Jones
Medical Director UK and Ireland,
3M Health Care Ltd

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