You have been prescribed a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler (MDI). It gives you a fine spray of medicine when you breathe in. Your doctor will show you how to use this inhaler. Here is a helpful step-by-step. Keep in mind that not all breath-actuated MDIs work in the same way. Always follow the instructions from your care team or the ones that come with your medicine.
How to use a breath-actuated MDI
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Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water.
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Take the cap off the inhaler mouthpiece. If you open and close the mouthpiece without using the inhaler, you will lose the dose.
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Hold the inhaler upright. Be sure not to block the air vents on the top or bottom of the inhaler.
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Push up the lever on top. It will click into place.
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Turn away from the inhaler. Breathe out gently. Do not breathe into the inhaler, this may cause some of the medicine to be lost
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Put the mouthpiece between your lips. Close your lips tightly around it.
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Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece. You will hear a clicking sound. Keep breathing in.
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Take the mouthpiece out of your mouth. Keep your lips closed. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.
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Turn away from the inhaler. Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
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Close the cap.
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Repeat steps 2 to 10 for each dose your doctor instructs you to take.
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Rinse your mouth with water. Spit out the water.
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