Inhalers

  1. Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
  2. Shake the inhaler.
  3. Tilt your head back slightly and breathe out.
  4. Hold the inhaler 1-2 inches away from your mouth.
  5. Spacers are useful for all patients, especially young children and older adults.
  6. Press down on the inhaler to release the medicine as you start to breathe in slowly.
  7. Inhale deeply.
  8. Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds to allow medicine to go deeply into your lungs.
  9. Repeat puffs as directed. Wait 1 minute between puffs to allow the second puff to get into the lungs better.

To use a dry powder inhaler, close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler and breathe in quickly.