Correct Use of Metered-Dose Inhaler

Girl using metered-dose inhaler
  • Remove the cap and hold inhaler upright.
  • Shake the inhaler.
  • Tilt your head back slightly and breathe out slowly.
  • Position the inhaler 1 to 2 inches away from mouth with mouth open.
  • Press down on the inhaler to release puff of medication as you start to breathe in slowly.
  • Breathe in slowly (3 to 5 seconds).
  • Hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medicine to reach deeply into your lungs.
  • Repeat puffs as directed. Waiting 1 minute between puffs helps the second puff to get farther into the lungs.

Avoid common inhaler mistakes. 
Follow these inhaler tips:

  • Breathe out before pressing your inhaler.
  • Inhale slowly.
  • Breathe in through your mouth, not your nose.
  • Press down on your inhaler at the start of inhalation (or within the first second of inhalation).
  • Keep inhaling as you press down on inhaler.
  • Press your inhaler only once while you are inhaling (one breath for each puff).
  • Make sure you breathe in evenly and deeply.

[Keywords: Metered-Dose Inhaler, asthma]

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