Abstract

A method and an apparatus for administering a drug through a breathing passage for absorption on the mucous tissue of a patient includes introducing an aerosol of the drug into an expanded bag and bidirectional channel for communicating the drug with the breathing passage of the patient and otherwise is substantially impervious to the passage of air, collapsing the expanded bag while the bidirectional channel for communicating with the breathing passage is in position to deliver the drug into the breathing passage of the patient. A signal in a bidirectional channel indicates when the rate of passage of the drug exceeds a desirable limit, whereby the patient taking the drug is reminded to decrease the rate of collapse of the airbag, thereby maximizing drug utilization. The drug delivery device admits a drug-containing aerosol through a drug introduction opening while the collapsible airbag is at least partially expanded, the drug being introduced into the breathing passage with the contraction of the collapsible airbag.

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