Management

Priming Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

Choose a preferred language


Step-by-Step

  1. Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

    Wash your hands.

  2. Hands holding inhaler upright, with canister visible at top of inhaler and arrow pointing to date on canister.

    Check the expiration date.

  3. Hand holding inhaler upright, shaking inhaler up and down, with clock showing time passing.

    Shake your inhaler for 5 seconds.

  4. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand removing cap from mouthpiece.

    Take the cap off.

  5. Person holding inhaler upright with one hand, pointing inhaler away from face.

    Point your inhaler away from you.

  6. Hand holding inhaler upright and pointed away, with finger pressing on top of canister to spray medicine.

    Press down on the top three times.

  7. Hand holding inhaler upright, no cap on mouthpiece.

    Now your inhaler is ready to use.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location
Related Articles
Read article
Lung Health
Breathing Methods: Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing involves breathing with your diaphragm, a large muscle located below your lungs. Using your diaphragm makes breathing easier. Try this belly breathing exercise.

Read article
Lung Health
Cleaning Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

Here are images showing you how to clean your metered-dose inhaler.

Read article
Lung Health
Exercising with Chronic Lung Disease: Increasing Strength

Try these helpful, step-by-step exercises for greater muscle strength.

Read article
Lung Health
Shortness of Breath: Maximizing Your Energy

When you have lung problems, you can help yourself feel better by conserving your energy. Pacing yourself, simplifying tasks, and not bending and lifting will let you do more without getting short of breath.

Powered by

Copyright © 2025 WebMD Ignite except where otherwise noted.

About

Disclaimer

NCQA Certified
URAC Certified
  • Main Phone:
    (404) 616-1000
  • Main Campus:
    80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE
    Atlanta, GA 30303

About Grady

Patient Links

Other Links

Careers & Training

Get Involved

Privacy & Legal