The Powder Dosing Valve is a device used in liquid medications such as inhalers and other medications given through the nose. This system consists of two valves, namely the dose valve and the medication container valve. The valve used for inhalation is called the oral port. The valve used for administering medication into the liquid dose is known as the oral stop valve or the oral valve. In some systems, both the valves are positioned externally to ensure easy access to them.
The system functions like this: the dose valve opens up when oral medication is consumed, and it closes back after the medicine is consumed. Therefore, the medication in the inhaler passes through the valve in the nose and reaches the bloodstream. When the valve shuts off, the medication is then flushed from the body via the skin. The system is usually used in hospitals where two physicians supervise the patients. The valve used is positioned over the patient’s windpipe, while the valve used for the liquid dose is placed externally.