Module 3: Pulmonary Drug Delivery

Question 1

Describe the anatomy of the lungs.

Answer 1

conducting airways lined with ciliated epithelial cells.

Question 2

Describe absorption and clearance of drugs from the lungs.

Answer 2

particles deposited in the ciliated conducting airways are cleared by mucocilliary clearance within 24 hours and are swallowed.
Insoluble particles that reach alveoli are removed more slowly by alveolar macrophages over days or weeks. May also be removed via lymph.
Hydrophobic compounds are usually absorbed at a rate that depends on partition coefficient.
Most drugs are absorbed via passive diffusion in the lungs.