HOW TO USE A METERED-DOSE INHALER
USING AN INHALER
To receive the proper dose from your inhaler, you must use good technique. Your healthcare practitioner may provide you with a drug-free practice inhaler. Practice the following steps until you are comfortable administering your inhalant:
A.Shake the inhaler well immediately before each use.
B.Using a spacer helps to deliver more medication to your lung (not just the back of your mouth).
C.Remove the cap from the mouthpiece. Hold the inhaler upright. Make sure the medication canister is firmly inserted into the plastic holder (actuator).
D.The first time you use your new inhaler (or if it has been 1 month or longer since the last use), test spray four times into the air.
E.Breathe out through your mouth to the end of a normal breath.
F.Position the mouthpiece about 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth. Or you may close your lips in a tight seal around the mouthpiece.
G.Open your mouth widely (unless you are using the second method), and position your head in a neutral position.
H.While breathing in slowly and deeply, firmly depress the container once.
I.Continue breathing in slowly until your lungs are full.
J.Once you have breathed in fully, hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can.
K.If you need a second puff of the same medication, wait a minimum of 1 minute before repeating steps A through J. If you are using a different inhaler for the second puff, wait at least 5 minutes before using the second inhaler.
OTHER TIPS
A.If you are taking a steroid inhalant, rinse your mouth and throat with water after each dose.
B.When you are short of breath, use your bronchodilator (rescue medicine
) first; then wait about 5 minutes before using your steroid inhaler. The rescue inhaler opens your airways so more of the steroid medication reaches your lungs.
C.Keep the inhaler clean. Once a week, remove the medication canister from the actuator and wash the actuator in warm, soapy water. Rinse and allow to air dry. Replace the medication canister in the holder and recap the mouthpiece.
D.Always check the expiration date on your inhaler and make sure to refill your prescription before the medication expires.
E.Color code your inhalers with tape or markers; for example, use green tape for quick relief inhalers and blue tape for long-acting inhalers.
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE