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.