Remove the cover of the mouthpiece. |
Prime your inhaler if this is the first time you are using it, if you have not used it for several days, or if you have dropped it. Priming a metered dose inhaler usually involves shaking it and spraying it into the air (away from your face) up to 4 times. See the information that came with your inhaler for exact instructions. |
Check the number of doses remaining in the MDI. |
Sit or stand up straight with the chi tilted up and neck slightly extended. |
Shake MDI canister vigorously for 5 seconds. |
Hold the MDI upright with your index finger on the top of the canister and your thumb supporting the bottom of the inhaler. |
Breathe out normally. |
Put the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around mouthpiece or position mouthpiece about 4 cm (about the width of 2 fingers) from your mouth. |
Keep your tongue away from the opening of the mouthpiece. |
Press down the top of the canister with the index finger to release the medicine. |
At the same time as the canister is pressed, breathe in deeply and slowly through your mouth until your lungs are completely full. This should take 3 to 5 seconds. |
Hold the medicine in your lungs for as long as comfortable (about 5 to 10 seconds). |
Remove the inhaler from your mouth and exhale normally. |
If you need a second puff, wait about 15 to 30 seconds between puffs. Shake the canister again before the next puff. |
When finished, put the mouthpiece cover back on. |
If your inhaler contains a steroid medicine (sometimes called a "glucocorticoid" or "corticosteroid"), rinse your mouth and gargle with water after you use it. Then spit out the water. Do not swallow it. |
We prefer to use metered dose inhalers (MDIs) with a spacer or holding chamber. Instructions for use of MDIs with these devices is provided in a separate graphic.
These instructions do not apply to dry powder or soft mist inhalers. Cleaning instructions are provided separately.
More detailed information about individual medicines can be found at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm.Do you want to add Medilib to your home screen?