Stabilized dispersions are provided for the delivery of a bioactive agent
to the respiratory tract of a patient. The dispersions preferably comprise
a plurality of perforated microstructures dispersed in a suspension medium
that typically comprises a hydrofluoroalkane propellant. As density
variations between the suspended particles and suspension medium are
minimized and attractive forces between microstructures are attenuated,
the disclosed dispersions are particularly resistant to degradation, such
as, by settling or flocculation. In particularly preferred embodiments,
the stabilized dispersions may be administered to the lung of a patient
using a metered dose inhaler.