Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler With 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.
Using a spacer makes it easier for you to get medicine in your lungs. A spacer is a chamber that attaches to the inhaler. The spacer holds the dose of medicine while you inhale it.
Read the instructions that come with the inhaler and the spacer. Inhalers come in different shapes, sizes, and doses. Each kind is used differently.
Understand how to use the inhaler and spacer. 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 the inhaler and the spacer. They will help you do it the right way for each inhaler.
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 with a spacer
Follow these steps for using a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer.
Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds. Remove the cap.
slide 1 of 8, Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds. Remove the cap.,
Hold the inhaler upright with the mouthpiece at the bottom. Then place the mouthpiece of the inhaler into the spacer.
slide 2 of 8, Hold the inhaler upright with the mouthpiece at the bottom. Then place the mouthpiece of the inhaler into the spacer.,
Stand or sit up straight. With the spacer a short distance from your mouth, breathe out slowly and completely.
slide 3 of 8, Stand or sit up straight. With the spacer a short distance from your mouth, breathe out slowly and completely.,
Place the spacer's mouthpiece in your mouth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and keep your tongue away from the opening.
slide 4 of 8, Place the spacer's mouthpiece in your mouth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and keep your tongue away from the opening.,
Press down on the inhaler to spray 1 puff of medicine into the spacer. Then start breathing in slowly and deeply. Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds. Remove the spacer's mouthpiece from your mouth. Then breathe out slowly.
slide 5 of 8, Press down on the inhaler to spray 1 puff of medicine into the spacer. Then start breathing in slowly and deeply. Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds. Remove the spacer's mouthpiece from your mouth. Then breathe out slowly.,
If you need another puff of medicine, wait 1 minute between puffs.
slide 6 of 8, If you need another puff of medicine, wait 1 minute between puffs.,
Remove the inhaler from the spacer, and replace their caps.
slide 7 of 8, Remove the inhaler from the spacer, and replace their caps.,
Rinse your mouth with water if the inhaler has corticosteroids, such as fluticasone. Do not swallow the water.
slide 8 of 8, Rinse your mouth with water if the inhaler has corticosteroids, such as fluticasone. Do not swallow the water.,
Where can you learn more?
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Current as of: August 6, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
