A lidocaine dry powder inhaler to modulate cough: particle engineering and human proof-of-concept.

In 30 seconds

This randomized controlled trial investigated a lidocaine dry powder inhaler formulation designed for targeting cough receptors in the upper and central airways. Inhalation of 8 mg of the optimized lidocaine powder significantly increased the cough threshold at 15 and 30 minutes compared to placebo, demonstrating the potential of this formulation for managing chronic cough.

Key findings

• The optimized formulation had a median particle size of 8.9 µm and a non-respirable fraction of about 85%.
• Inhalation of 8 mg of lidocaine powder significantly increased the cough threshold at 15 and 30 minutes versus placebo.
• The formulation showed slower in vitro release compared to raw lidocaine, indicating effective drug incorporation.

Why it matters

Chronic cough is a significant clinical challenge, particularly in refractory cases. This study highlights a novel approach to enhance cough management through targeted delivery of lidocaine, potentially offering a new therapeutic option for patients.