Pharmacokinetic Considerations of Inhaled Pharmaceuticals for Systemic Delivery

Background: Systemic pulmonary delivery is considered to have advantages over oral or intravenous administration for certain drugs. Methods: In this article, we review the effects of intrinsic drug properties and drug loading carriers on the pharmacokinetic parameters of inhaled drugs in the context of use in systemic pulmonary delivery. Results: The delivery of drugs via inhalation can be advisable to achieve a fast onset of action; enhance the systemic bioavailability of drugs with poor oral absorption, including peptides and proteins; avoid invasive administration and improve patient compliance. To optimize the functioning of this delivery system, there is high demand for a systematic understanding of the pharmacokinetic characteristics, which are closely related to the pharmacodynamic and toxicological effects. Conclusion: The pharmacokinetic parameters of inhaled drug products are affected by many factors, including physiological and pathological variables and the intrinsic drug and formulation properties.