Inhaled asthma medications are often taken by using a device called a metered dose inhaler, or "MDI." The MDI is a small aerosol canister in a plastic holder. It lets out a burst of medication when it is pressed down from the top (figure 1).
The MDI is an aerosol and its contents are under pressure. Do not puncture or store near heat or an open flame.
The preferred method of using an MDI is with a device called a spacer. A spacer is a chamber that attaches to the MDI and holds the burst of medication. This makes taking the medication easier and helps get the medication into the lungs better. An MDI may sometimes be used without a spacer. Your health care professional will decide if this is appropriate for you.
Directions for using the MDI with and without a spacer are given below. Read these instructions before using the medications. Your asthma care team will also teach you or your child how to use the MDI.
TO USE AN MDI WITH A SPACER (Figure 1)
Note: These steps can be adapted to instruct your child.
- Remove the cap from the MDI and spacer device. Shake well.
- Insert the MDI into the open end of spacer (opposite the mouthpiece).
- Place mouthpiece of the spacer between your teeth and seal your lips tightly around it.
- Breathe completely.
- Press the canister once.
- Breathe in slowly and completely through your mouth. If you hear a “horn-like” sound, you are breathing too quickly and need to slow down.
- Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to allow the medication to deposit in the lungs.
- Repeat the above steps after waiting at least 1 minute. Some MDIs require more than 2 puffs. Follow the dosage ordered by your doctor.
- Replace the cap on your MDI when finished.
- If you are using a corticosteroid MDI, gargle and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after each use.
TO USE AN MDI WITHOUT A SPACER (figure 2)
- Remove the cap from the MDI and shake it well.
- Hold the MDI by placing your index finger on top of the metal canister and your thumb on the bottom of the plastic mouthpiece.
- Tilt your head back slightly, open your mouth wide, and place the MDI about 2 inches in front of your mouth.
- Breathe in and out 1 time.
- As you begin to inhale your next breath, press the metal canister down. Breathe in slowly (5 seconds) and as deeply as you can.
- Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to allow the medication to deposit in the airways of the lungs.
- Repeat the above steps after waiting at least 1 minute. Follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
- Replace the cap on your MDI when you are finished.
- If you are using a corticosteroid MDI, gargle and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after each use.
Caring for your MDI and spacer
Rinse the plastic holder of the MDI with warm water every 1 to 2 days to prevent the holes from getting clogged.
Clean the spacer every other day. (If you are using the spacer intermittently, you may only need to clean it once a week.) Remove the soft ring at the end of the spacer. Soak the spacer and ring in warm water with mild detergent, and carefully clean. Rinse well in warm water. Air dry completely or dry carefully with a paper towel before putting back together.
Checking your metered dose inhaler
The number of puffs contained in your metered dose inhaler is printed on the side of the canister. After you have used that number of puffs, you must discard your inhaler even if it continues to spray. Keep track of how many puffs you have used.
If you use an MDI every day for control of symptoms, you can determine how long it will last by dividing the total number of puffs in the MDI by the total puffs you use every day. (For example, your MDI has 200 puffs and you use a total of 4 puffs per day. Divide 200 by 4 and your MDI will last 50 days.)
If you use an inhaler only when you need to, you must keep track of how many times you spray the inhaler. If you prefer, you can obtain a device that counts down the number of puffs each time you press the inhaler. Ask your health care professional for more information about these devices.
For More Information
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 216.444.8282. We will be happy to answer your questions.
