Delivery of opioids through an inhalation route

A method of producing the therapeutic compound naltrexone, buprenorphine, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, methadone, remifentanil, or sufentanil in an aerosol form comprising:

• a) volatilizing a therapeutic compound selected from the group consisting of naltrexone, buprenorphine, nalbuphine, naloxone, butorphanol, hydromorphone, oxycodone, methadone, remifentanil, or sufentanil, under conditions effective to produce a heated vapor of the compound-and,
• b) during said volatilizing, passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles of the compound comprising less than 5% compound degradation products and
• c) aerosol MMAD is less than 3 μm.

A composition for delivery of fentanyl comprising a condensation aerosol

• a) formed by volatilizing fentanyl under conditions effective to produce a heated vapor of fentanyl, and condensing the heated vapor of fentanyl to form condensation aerosol particles, and
• b) wherein said condensation aerosol particles are characterized by less than 2.5% compound degradation products, and
• c) aerosol MMAD is less than 3 μm.

A method of producing the therapeutic compound morphine or fentanyl in an aerosol form comprising

• a) volatilizing a therapeutic compound selected from the group consisting of morphine or fentanyl under conditions effective to produce a heated vapor of the compound and
• b) during said volatilizing, passing air through the heated vapor to produce aerosol particles of the compound comprising less than 2.5% compound degradation products and
• c) aerosol MMAD is less than 3 μm.