Currently, sprays and aerosols are widely used in medical practice. These dosage forms are often used for external use; they are intended for applying the drug to a wound, to the skin, to mucous membranes, as well as for inhalation. Sprays and many aerosols have approximately the same principle of delivering the drug, which is contained there in the form of liquid and solid particles suspended in a gaseous environment. Since both of these forms have the same filing principle, they are often confused. However, there are certain differences between them that must be taken into account when choosing a dosage form.
Sprays and aerosols
Today, along with numerous tablets and other forms of drugs, we also see new forms of drug delivery - aerosols and sprays.
These dosage forms are often used for external use; they are intended for applying the drug to a wound, to the skin, to mucous membranes, as well as for inhalation.
Among the visible similarities and similar mechanisms of use, these dosage forms have fundamental differences, which we will now discuss:
Aerosols are two-phase (gas and liquid) or three-phase (gas, liquid and solid or liquid) systems. Two-phase aerosols consist of a solution of the active substance in a liquefied propellant with the addition of solvents that ensure the solubility of the active substances. Three-phase aerosols consist of a suspension or emulsion of active substances and propellant.
According to the State Pharmacopoeia , Aerosols are a dosage form that are solutions, emulsions or suspensions of active substances, under the pressure of a propellant in a sealed package (aerosol can), equipped with a valve-spray system, which ensures the release of the drug in the form of a dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas , the size of which corresponds to the route of administration.
Three-phase aerosols include foam aerosols, which are emulsions containing active ingredients, surfactants, aqueous or non-aqueous solvents and propellants. If the propellant is part of the dispersed phase (oil-in-water emulsion), a stable foam is formed when the contents are released; this property has found its active use in anti-burn agents in order to avoid contact with the skin when applying the medicine to the affected parts of the body ( remember bepanten)
In everyday life, a striking example of a three-phase aerosol is a fire extinguisher
The aerosol is sprayed due to the formation of excess pressure in the bottle, and can be a continuous or dosing action.
Sprays are single-phase (liquid) or two-phase (liquid and solid or liquid) systems. The spray is sprayed using a mechanical pump, while the pressure in the bottle and the pressure outside it are the same. This property allows you to take it on planes, hikes, expose it to sunlight and temperature, without fear of damage to the bottle.
According to the State Pharmacopoeia, Sprays are aerosols that do not contain a propellant, the contents of which are released due to air pressure created using a mechanical pump-type sprayer or by compressing a polymer package. Compared to aerosols, sprays are a more coarsely dispersed system.
Difference between sprays and aerosols
At the moment of use, both the spray and the aerosol create a stable atomization of particles. For an aerosol they are 2-5 microns, for a spray they are more than 5 microns. The bottles in both cases are hermetically sealed, so the possibility of air or contaminants getting into them is completely excluded. Aerosols and sprays are successfully used in medical practice for spraying various medicines. For example, anti-burn drugs (Panthenol, Olazol) are produced in the form of an aerosol. Today you can find many medications in sprays intended to treat a runny nose (Aquamaris, Dolphin).
What are the benefits of aerosols?
Bedbug aerosol is a mixture of liquefied gas and poisons. Therefore, the substances in it are under pressure. Any deodorant will work on the same principle. The intake tube reaches to the bottom of the can and provides direct supply of the active substance.
Since the vast majority of aerosols are created specifically for household needs, most often, flavors are added to them. In this case, the safest insecticides are also used. But here comes an obvious disadvantage. Such products are an order of magnitude inferior in effectiveness to sprays. And if the bedbug population has grown too much, more than one spray treatment will be required. The following drugs are widely known for bedbugs:
- Dichlorvos Neo (or Eco). An ancient remedy that has lost its relevance, you say? But no. All he has left from his old relative is the name. And inside the can there is a powerful poison that effectively destroys individuals. Moreover, the product has almost no smell.
- Raptor is a good product with a pleasant minty smell. Created not only to kill bedbugs. But, unfortunately, such a drug is completely useless against parasite eggs. You will have to re-treat in a couple of weeks, when new individuals hatch from the eggs.
- True, there is also a Raptor for professional use. But in reality, it also does not provide high efficiency indicators.
- Combat is already better compared to previous means. It has a medium degree of effectiveness and is available in two pleasant flavors: lemon and mint.
Comparison of sprays and aerosols
Spray:
+ It is sprayed using a mechanical pump, while the pressure in the bottle is equal to atmospheric pressure, which I consider a plus, because it often happened that some kind of mechanical damage occurred to the AEROSOL, the medicine was used at an angle, as a result of which the pressure was released, and the medicine itself remained inside . ± Sprays larger particles (more than 5 microns) + Accurately dosed - Almost always a small part of the drug, or even not a small one at all, remains at the bottom of the bottle.
Aerosol:
+- Served under pressure. +- Sprays fine particles (2-5 microns). +The medicinal substance spreads further and deeper than in a spray - Poorly dosed
We conducted a brief comparison of two similar dosage forms and, as it turned out, the difference lies in the details - now we understand that the aerosol sprays particles of a smaller volume, but at the same time loses to the spray in ease of dosing, cost and storage rules.
Sprays can cause a runny nose!
Drug-induced runny nose is a problem that occurs as a result of long-term use of vasoconstrictor sprays. The bottom line is that such sprays contain substances that cause vasoconstriction. And they really help relieve swelling and cope with nasal congestion, but every competent doctor never tires of repeating: you can only use it for three, maximum five days! And these are not just words - the fact is that addiction occurs very quickly. This happens for several reasons:
- vessels cannot maintain their tone on their own, since vasoconstrictor drops suppress the synthesis of norepinephrine, which is responsible for vasospasm;
- atrophy of the nasal mucosa develops.
The main manifestation of drug-induced rhinitis is a persistent runny nose and constant nasal congestion. Patients complain of headaches and the inability to smell. As a rule, the doctor prescribes hormonal drugs in such cases, and in the absence of effect from conservative treatment, unfortunately, surgery cannot be avoided.
Anti-depression nasal spray
Several years ago, scientists developed a neuropeptide that can act on receptors in brain cells. However, it turned out to be impossible to deliver this substance to the brain in the usual way. The “pills – gastrointestinal tract – blood – brain” scheme does not work due to the large size of the neuropeptide molecule. Canadian scientists from the Center for Addiction and Mental Health have developed an innovative drug for the treatment of depression - a nasal spray. The drug is currently being tested, the results of which are already giving specialists hope for a breakthrough in the treatment of depression!
What is a spray and how does it differ from an aerosol?
In modern medicine, drugs are produced in various forms that are convenient for delivering the active substance to the diseased organ.
One of these forms for external use today is a spray. Spraying the medicinal composition onto the skin, mucous membrane of the throat or other affected area allows you to apply the medicine evenly without disturbing the patient with touches or risking infection. Spray is a fairly new form of medication, and not all consumers know what it is and how sprays differ from aerosols.
What is a spray?
For topical use, a spray is one of the most convenient forms, since it is a dispersion of the smallest solid and liquid particles of the drug in a gaseous environment.
It is used for applying medicinal compositions to the surface of the skin, wound or burn surface, to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, vagina, etc. In addition, the spray is extremely convenient for inhalation.
What is the difference between spray and aerosol?
Sometimes even doctors are not entirely confident in distinguishing between sprays and aerosols. Meanwhile, there is a difference, and quite noticeable. The main difference between them is the method of removing the drug from the bottle:
- in an aerosol, the medicine comes out due to the excess pressure inside the container after the release valve opens;
— the spray is supplied by mechanical squeezing of a fine suspension of the drug in the air by a piston micropump, while the pressure inside the bottle approaches normal atmospheric pressure.
The difference lies in the size of the particles of the dispersed substance: in an aerosol their diameter ranges from 1 to 5 microns, in a spray - from 10 to 50 microns, and their speed is low. Therefore, the outlet of the spray bottle should be located closer to the surface of the skin than when spraying an aerosol from a can.
Advantages of sprays as a dosage form
The spray turned out to be an extremely effective and convenient dosage form for external and local intranasal action, which has a wide range of advantages.
— Sprayed onto a sore or affected area, the spray has an extremely rapid therapeutic effect. The speed of action and effectiveness of the drug in some cases is comparable to intravenous injection.
— The dispersed form increases the chemical and pharmacological activity of the drug, which makes it possible to use lower doses of the active substance. This, in turn, provides a gentle treatment effect.
Choosing a remedy
There are several types of drugs prescribed for a runny nose.
Vasoconstrictor drops and sprays . Perhaps the most popular remedy for fighting a runny nose. However, it is worth remembering that, in fact, such drugs do not have a therapeutic effect, but only temporarily relieve nasal congestion. Vasoconstrictor drops are good for acute uncomplicated rhinitis, for example with a cold, when you just need to ease your breathing and wait for recovery.
Antiseptic products . These are aqueous solutions based on miramistin, dioxidine, chlorhexidine. Unlike vasoconstrictor drops, these remedies fight the cause of a runny nose - inflammation of the nasal mucosa. However, such medications are not able to make breathing easier in a matter of seconds.
Article on the topic
Snotty cold.
Why does my nose run in the cold? Oil-based softening drops .
It relieves burning sensation in the nose, fights swelling and inflammation of the mucous membrane. They have mainly therapeutic rather than symptomatic effects. Such drops are often prescribed not only for ARVI, but also for chronic atrophic rhinitis, when the nasal mucosa especially needs nutrition and hydration. Instead of ready-made oil drops, you can use natural oils. Just keep in mind that not every oil can be beneficial. For example, sea buckthorn oil irritates the mucous membranes, and sunflower and olive oils are too viscous. Their use leads to gluing of the villi, which are present in the nasal cavity and are responsible for removing mucus. Peach or apricot oil is suitable for moisturizing and nourishing the nasal mucosa. This oil can be instilled 2 drops into each nostril no more than 2 times a day. But only during illness, and not for prevention. Decongestants . Prescribed for allergic rhinitis, various types of chronic rhinitis and contain antihistamine components.
Drugs with glucocorticosteroids . These are strong anti-inflammatory drugs. They are prescribed for sinusitis and chronic rhinitis. It is dangerous to use such products on your own, without consulting a doctor. These drugs have a number of serious side effects, so only a specialist can determine the dose and duration of use.
Local remedies with antibiotics . They are needed for the treatment of sinusitis, when due to stagnation of mucus in the sinuses, bacteria begin to multiply in it, as well as for the treatment of other bacterial infections of the nasal cavity. Such products should not be used without consulting a doctor.
When everything is in our hands. What diseases can a runny nose be a symptom of? More details
Definition
An aerosol is both a deodorant and a can of paint, and in medicine, aerosols are used to spray an antibiotic or antiseptic. Inhalers for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions also fall into this category.
Aerosol can be found in household chemicals, and even as a disinfectant or insect repellent, such as mosquitoes. Women often use various hair and body care substances, which are also aerosols in their essence - hairspray, deodorant, and so on.
From the above, it becomes obvious that an aerosol is the smallest particles that hang in a gaseous environment. These can be either liquid or solid particles. We can say that fog or smoke is also a kind of aerosol. These fine particles are so tiny that they cannot fall to the ground. They hold constant air currents.
How to choose between spray and aerosol?
The first thing to remember when choosing a product is its safety. It is also important to take into account some subtleties. For example, after Sinuzan there will be such an “aroma” that not everyone can stand it. If this concerns public hotels, this will turn out to be a rather unpleasant moment. And when using Tetrix, you simply cannot do without protective equipment.
In such premises where quick occupancy is required, as a rule, products with a less pronounced odor are used. Again, another reason to pay attention to the drugs Get and Dobrokhim micro.
And even more so, never compare the price of an aerosol and a spray. Let’s say a concentrated bottle of Delta Zone costs 500, and a bottle of Dichlorvos costs 60 rubles. But the spray is enough to treat an average two-room apartment, while the entire aerosol will be used for a maximum of some upholstered furniture. So consider it more economical!
From the above we can draw a conclusion. You should prefer sprays for home use, then aerosols, and last but not least professional poisons. If, of course, you use the services of exterminators, then you can not think about anything at all and get a guaranteed high-quality result.
Types of aerosol systems
The most common type of aerosol can be considered two-phase systems. The system received this name due to the state of aggregation of the contents of the jar. The instructions describe in detail what kind of aerosol you have in your hands. Most often, such systems need to be shaken before use.
This action is necessary in order to mix the gas compressed in the cylinder and the volatile components of the concentrate, which is in a liquefied state. What comes out of the can when pressed is either foam or a light mist. This type is often used in cosmetics and burn remedies.
Another type, which is also called an aerosol, is a solution. In such systems, the active substance is dissolved in a propellant or similar solvent. When the aerosol is released from the container, the chemical additive evaporates and the aerosol is obtained in its pure form in a fog state.
The last type of aerosol systems can be considered three-phase. These are the most complex aerosols, since they contain three substances of different states of aggregation. When you press the button on the cylinder, a person often sees foam. Such aerosols are actively used in medicine.
Spray types
In order to apply an aerosol, spraying is used. It comes in three types:
- using nozzles - this is the output of liquid under pressure under pressure;
- rotating disk;
- using ultrasound.
Of course, you can find other methods for such a painstaking task; everyone has seen and used them at least once in their life in the form of a spray gun, a brumizer or an aerosol generator.
In addition to medicine, aerosol has also entered the household sphere. Its best use can be considered the use of aerosols in paints. How?
Aerosol paint is a ready-made paint mixture, which is enclosed in a special package. It is applied by spraying and has a number of advantages over conventional acrylic and other paints. Which?
- Easy to apply. Even a child can handle the aerosol.
- There is no need to buy additional tools, such as brushes and rollers. This significantly reduces costs.
- The dye does not need to be stirred; it is already ready for use.
- Aerosol paint is quick to apply and dries, making it easier to create a monochromatic surface.
But, despite such an abundance of advantages, work with aerosols must be carried out strictly according to the instructions indicated on the packaging.
Aerosol and safety
An aerosol is a highly volatile mixture that spreads easily through the air. Therefore, the first and main rule when working with this type of dye is to work in well-ventilated areas.
Repeating the volatility of substances, it is worth realizing that you need to work with the can only in safety glasses or a respirator. This can save more than just your eyes and airways.
It is worth remembering that the composition in the can is explosive, so you should not experiment by spraying the contents of the can over a fire or piercing it. The consequences can cost limbs or even lives.
Aerosol Clean Home universal
The drug instantly kills affected individuals, affects flying and crawling pests, and its transparent consistency allows it not to leave streaks on the walls after application. The peculiarity of this product is that it is supplied in large volumes; few manufacturers supply aerosols in 600 ml bottles. With its help, you can completely clean a three-room apartment from pests, spending only a few hours on it. The only “disadvantage” of using it is that you will have to remove dead insects in large quantities.
The main active ingredient is cypermethrin, a universal pyrethroid that paralyzes the nervous system and causes muscle paralysis. Under its influence, the affected individual dies within a few minutes. This action is secured by tertramethrin, which paralyzes the limbs of the insect.
Repair, home and medicine?
Spray paint is a very popular item. Why? It is often used to color handmade crafts. Then there are no brush marks left, and the colors in aerosol paints are often more saturated.
An aerosol is the same air freshener in an apartment or bathroom. In addition to the aerosol itself and the deterrent component, oils and fragrances are added to its composition in high concentrations.
By the way, there are systems that cooperate with aerosols without human intervention. We are talking about automatic air fresheners. The principle of their operation is based on the fact that from time to time the device sends a signal to a special tube that connects to the cylinder, releasing aromatic gas from it. Such air fresheners are unpretentious, and all you need to do for them to work is to change the bottle and monitor the battery charge.
What are aerosols? Difference between spray and aerosol
(from Greek aer - air and Latin solluti - solution) free dispersed systems with a gaseous dispersion medium and a dispersed phase consisting of solid or liquid particles.
aerosol itself
was proposed by Professor Donnan (England) at the end of the First World War to designate highly dispersed systems, such as the poisonous fumes of phenylchloroarsine, which began to be used for military purposes. Regardless of Donnan, the German scientist Schmauss began to use this term, who wrote the first article (1920) where it was used.
1.
According to the aggregate state of the dispersed phase:
mists (L/G) – a dispersed system consisting of liquid droplets;
fumes (T/G) – aerosols with solid particles of condensation origin;
dust (T/G) – solid particles formed by despirigation;
smog (L+S/G) – a mixed type system when moisture condenses on solid particles (fog formed on smoke particles);
2.
By dispersion:
ultrafine aerosols (nanoparticles) with sizes 0.001 - 0.01 microns;
highly dispersed aerosols (HFA) 0.01 – 0.1 microns;
medium-disperse aerosols 0.1 – 10 microns;
coarse aerosols 10 – 100 microns.
The emergence of a new class of nanoparticles occurred quite recently, when it became possible to create a new generation of aerosol instruments to study these ultrafine aerosols.
Characteristic sizes of aerosol particles:
