Correct Use of Metered-Dose Inhaler

Avoid common inhaler mistakes. 
Follow these inhaler tips:

• Remove the cap and hold inhaler upright.
  • Shake the inhaler.
  • Tilt your head back slightly and breathe out slowly.
  • Position the inhaler 1 to 2 inches away from mouth with mouth open.
  • Press down on the inhaler to release puff of medication as you start to breathe in slowly.
  • Breathe in slowly (3 to 5 seconds).
  • Hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medicine to reach deeply into your lungs.
  • Repeat puffs as directed. Waiting 1 minute between puffs helps the second puff to get farther into the lungs.
    • Breathe out before pressing your inhaler.
    • Inhale slowly.
    • Breathe in through your mouth, not your nose.
    • Press down on your inhaler at the start of inhalation (or within the first second of inhalation).
    • Keep inhaling as you press down on inhaler.
    • Press your inhaler only once while you are inhaling (one breath for each puff).
    • Make sure you breathe in evenly and deeply.