| abstract |
A medication holder is disclosed comprising a housing (10) having an outer wall (12) and an inner wall (11) preferably in sleeved relationship to each other. The outer wall may be moved between a closed position in which the housing (10) is sealed for ingress of moisture or other contaminants and an open position providing access to the medication container discharge outlet. The second wall may (12) be slid longitudinally or rotated circumferentially to access the cavity and may, in the process, open an air pathway through the cavity. The medication container is preferably a pressurised canister (22). Alternatively, it may comprise a frangible vial (603) with a volatile liquid. In the latter case, an evaporation grid (563) may also be supplied to enhance absorption of the liquid which is preferably methoxyfluorane. Opening means (561) may be provided to open the frangible vial and discharge the contents onto the evaporation means (563) which is in fluid contact with the air pathway (806). A medication chute (26) may be rotatable between stowed and deployed positions. The chute (26) may include an auxiliary air inlet (556). The medication holder may also include one-way valves (605) to channel inspiratory air through the chamber and direct expiratory air elsewhere. The expiratory air may pass through unidirectional valve (810) and also through an absorbent filter (805) to minimise environmental contamination. |