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Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler Without a Spacer: Care Instructions

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A metered-dose inhaler lets you breathe medicine into your lungs. "Metered-dose" means that the inhaler gives a measured amount of medicine each time you use it. This type of inhaler delivers medicine in the form of a liquid mist.

Doctors recommend using a spacer with most metered-dose inhalers. Using a spacer makes it easier for you to get medicine in your lungs. But if you don't have a spacer, you can still use the inhaler without it. You can also ask your doctor for a spacer.

  • Read the instructions that come with the inhaler. Inhalers come in different shapes, sizes, and doses. Each kind is used differently.

  • Understand how to use the inhaler. Ask the nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to make sure you use it the right way.

  • Make sure you use the right inhaler at the right time. Label each inhaler if you have more than one.

  • Get inhaler refills before you run out. Use the dose counter to see how many doses are left.

  • Follow the instructions for cleaning each inhaler. They will help you do it the right way.

  • Check the instructions to see if you need to prime the inhaler (get it ready) before use. If it needs priming, follow the instructions for how to do so.

How to use a metered-dose inhaler without a spacer

Follow these steps for using a metered-dose inhaler without a spacer.

Person shaking inhaler and removing cap.

1. Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds. Remove the cap.

Person holding inhaler.

2. Hold the inhaler upright with the mouthpiece at the bottom.

Person holding inhaler and exhaling.

3. Stand or sit up straight. Breathe out slowly and completely.

Person with lips closed around inhaler's mouthpiece.

4. Put the inhaler's mouthpiece in your mouth, and close your lips tightly around it. Keep your tongue away from the opening.

Person breathing in through inhaler and then exhaling.

5. Take one slow, deep breath while pressing the canister 1 time to release a puff of medicine. Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds.

Wristwatch with shading to show elapsed time.

6. If you need another puff of medicine, wait 1 minute between puffs.

Person replacing cap on inhaler.

7. Replace the cap on the inhaler.

Person swishing water in mouth and then spitting into cup.

8. Rinse your mouth with water if the inhaler has corticosteroids, such as fluticasone. Do not swallow the water.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter G235 in the search box to learn more about "Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler Without a Spacer: Care Instructions".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.