The Jethaler® generates aerosol by cutting the metered dose of drug from a densely packed powder block just before inhalation. Then with an inspiratory flow rate of about 30 l/min a flow of over 100 l/min is achieved within the device. This results in the formation of very fine particles, which cannot agglomerate before released into the respiratory tract.

Thus particles small enough to reach the lungs resulting in a good lung deposition are generated even by relatively low inspiratory flow rates. With an inspiratory flow rate of 30 l/min 22% of the metered dose are deposited in the lungs increasing to 26% with a flow of 60 l/min. However coordination between release of the cutter and inhalation is necessary to attain best results. Therefore space of time while shaping the powder is marked by an acoustic signal.

The Jethaler® is approved for budesonide (Budesonid-ratiopharm®).