Metered dose inhaler use
| Metered dose inhaler - step one |
Remove the cap from the end of the inhaler. Check for any dust, lint, or other objects. Shake the inhaler well.
|
| Metered dose inhaler - step two |
Sit up or stand up straight.
|
| Metered dose inhaler - step three |
Breathe out all the way.
|
| Metered dose inhaler - step four |
Tilt the inhaler up slightly. Put the inhaler in your mouth, between your teeth, with your tongue flat under the mouthpiece and your lips sealed. As you begin to breathe in slowly, press down on the inhaler. Keep breathing in until your lungs are completely full.
|
| Metered dose inhaler - step five |
Hold your breath for 10 seconds. If you cannot hold your breath for 10 seconds, hold it as long as you can. If you need another puff of medicine, wait 1 minute, thenrepeat steps 2 through 5.
|
| Metered dose inhaler - step six |
Rinse out your mouth after you take your last puff of medicine.(Note: rinsing is needed only if the medicine you just took was a corticosteroid. Ask your healthcare provider about your inhaler.)
|
| Metered dose inhaler - step seven |
Make sure you spit the water out. Do NOT swallow it.
|
|
Review Date:
12/22/2011
Reviewed By:
Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. |
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
