An inhalable dry powder formulation containing SAE-CD and an active agent is provided. The formulation is adapted for administration by DPI. The SAE-CD serves as a carrier rather than as an absorption enhancer. The average particle size of the SAE-CD is large enough to preclude (for the most part) pulmonary deposition thereof. Following release from the DPI device, the SAE-CD-containing particles dissociate from the active agent-containing particles in the buccal cavity or throat, after which the active agent-containing particles continue deeper into the respiratory tract. The physiochemical and morphological properties of the SAE-CD are easily modified to permit optimization of active agent and carrier interactions. Drugs having a positive, neutral or negative electrostatic charge can be delievered by DPI when SAE-CD is used as a carrier.