Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler Without a Spacer: Care Instructions
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.
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Read the instructions that come with the inhaler. Inhalers come in
different shapes, sizes, and doses. Each kind is used differently.
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Understand how to use the inhaler. Ask the nurse, doctor, pharmacist,
or respiratory therapist to make sure you use it the right way.
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Make sure you use the right inhaler at the right time. Label each
inhaler if you have more than one.
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Get inhaler refills before you run out. Use the dose counter to see
how many doses are left.
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Follow the instructions for cleaning each inhaler. They will help you
do it the right way.
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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.
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How to use a metered-dose inhaler without a spacer
Follow these steps for using a metered-dose inhaler without a spacer.
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1. Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds. Remove the cap.
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2. Hold the inhaler upright with the mouthpiece at the bottom.
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3. Stand or sit up straight. Breathe out slowly and completely.
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4. Put the inhaler's mouthpiece in your mouth, and close your lips tightly around it. Keep your
tongue away from the opening.
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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.
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6. If you need another puff of medicine, wait 1 minute between puffs.
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7. Replace the cap on the inhaler.
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8. Rinse your mouth with water if the inhaler has corticosteroids, such as fluticasone. Do not
swallow the water.
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Current as of: August 6, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of
this information.
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