metereddose

Metered dose refers to a discrete, pre-measured amount of a substance delivered by a dosing device in response to an actuation. The defining feature is reproducibility: each actuation releases a known quantity, enabling accurate dosing, dose tracking, and consistent administration across uses. Metered-dose systems are used in medicine, agriculture, and laboratory equipment where precise delivery is essential.

In medicine, the term is most closely associated with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), which release a fixed amount of medication per spray, typically measured in micrograms. Other devices deliver metered doses, such as insulin pens or miniature dosing pumps that dispense a precise volume with each trigger. The exact dose per actuation is determined by the device design, including chamber volume, valve timing, and any propellants or solvents.

Advantages include reproducible dosing, built-in dose counters, and the ability to tailor dosing regimens. Challenges include dependence on user technique and device maintenance, potential dose drift due to environmental factors, and the need for regular calibration to confirm accuracy. In regulated products, metered-dose devices are often subject to quality control standards and pharmacopoeial tests. They enable convenient, controlled administration of potent medications and other chemicals where precise dosing is critical.