Abstract

A method of controlling access to a drug in an aerosol drug delivery device by an electronic lock and key means is disclosed. Access is limited to the intended user by providing the intended user with a uniquely coded, machine readable key means that matches the unique code of the lock means. Contacting matching lock and key means signals a controlling means to allow use of the device. Specifically, the method is applied to a method of pain control provided by the intrapulmonary delivery of a pharmaceutically active pain relief formulation. The formulation is automatically released from a hand-held, self-contained, portable device comprised of a means for automatically releasing a measured amount of drug into the inspiratory flow path of a patient in response to information obtained from a means for measuring and separately determining inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume of a patient. Reproducible dosing is obtained by providing for automatic release in response to a separately measured inspiratory rate and inspiratory volume. To obtain repeatability in dosing the narcotic formulation is repeatedly released at the same measured (1) inspiratory flow rate and (2) inspiratory volume. To maximize the efficiency of the delivery the narcotic formulation is released at (1) a measured inspiratory flow rate in the range of from about 0.10 to about 2.0 liters/second and (2) a measured inspiratory volume in the range of about 0.15 to about 0.8 liters. Abuse of narcotic formulations is avoided by providing a tamper-resistant device which includes a variety of security features including an electronic lock and key means and a pre-programmed microprocessor designed to avoid overdosing.

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