Aerosolization of Medetomidine Hydrochloride as an Incapacitating Agent

Abstract

In this study, the preparation and optimization of spray formulations and aerosolization of Medetomidine hydrochloride as incapacitating agent are investigated. Spray formulation include the drug, solvents (methanol, ethanol and isopropanol), span 85 and propellant (propane). In order for spray preparation, all of the components should form a single phase solution. Results of initial tests and phase behavior of different combination of Medetomidine hydrochloride, alcohol, span 85 and propellant (propane) were checked. The phase behavior of different amount of components was studied and the maximum amount of propane needed for formation of a single-phase solution was determined. Ethanol and isopropanol are more suitable solvents compared to methanol. According to data obtained from different experiments, the optimized formulation with the highest possible concentration of Medetomidine hydrochloride was obtained. Single phase formulation with 5.5% of Medetomidine hydrochloride includes 1g Medetomidine hydrochloride, 10ml of ethanol (44%), 0.25g of span85 (1.4%) and 20ml of propane (49%). This formulation, released from a spray can, led to a stable aerosol.