Methods used to assess pulmonary deposition and absorption of drugs

The assessment of pulmonary drug absorption and deposition is becoming incr easingly important in drug development. Absorption information can be used to maximize pulmonary selectivity, to screen drug candidates and to help ev aluate the bioequivalence of generic inhalation products. Several methods a re available to investigate pulmonary drug absorption and deposition, rangi ng from in vitro experiments to in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses. In combination, these methods can indicate the fate of an inhale d drug.