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Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler (Closed-Mouth Method) Without a Spacer

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Step-by-Step

Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

Wash your hands.

Canister visible at top of inhaler, with arrow pointing to date on canister.

Check the expiration date.

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

Take the cap off.

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

Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds.

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

Press on the top 3 times to prime, if needed.

Person standing straight and person sitting straight in chair.

Sit or stand up straight.

Person breathing in through mouth.

Breathe in once.

Person breathing out through mouth.

Breathe out completely.

Person holding inhaler to mouth, with lips closed around mouthpiece.

Place the mouthpiece between your lips.

Person holding inhaler to mouth, pressing top of inhaler to spray medicine.

Press down on the top of the inhaler once.

Person holding inhaler to mouth while inhaling medicine, with clock showing time passing.

Breathe in slowly for 5 seconds.

Person holding breath after removing inhaler from mouth, with clock showing time passing.

Hold your breath for 10 seconds.

Person breathing out through mouth.

Breathe out slowly.

Person using inhaler a second time.

Wait 1 minute to repeat, if needed.

Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand placing cap back on mouthpiece.

Put the cap back on.

Person holding glass of water and swishing water in mouth.

Rinse your mouth out.

Person spitting water into sink.

Spit.

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 (Closed-Mouth Method) Without a Spacer".

Current as of: February 27, 2026

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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

Current as of: February 27, 2026

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC 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.