How to Use Metered-Dose Inhalers

1Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
2 Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
3Shake the inhaler.
4Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
5 Hold your inhaler as shown in the picture or as recommended by your doctor.
6 While you are breathing in, press down on your inhaler one time to release the medication.
7 Continue to breathe in slowly and as deeply as you can.
8Hold your breath for 10 seconds, if you can, to allow the medication to reach deeply into your lungs.
9Repeat steps 3 to 8 until you have inhaled the number of puffs that your doctor prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need to wait between puffs of your medication.
10 Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
11 Spit out the water. Do not swallow.

The 'How to Administer' illustrations shown on SafeMedication.com were developed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) using referenced publications and existing patient information. The illustrations are the sole intellectual property of ASHP. Copyright ASHP. Illustrator: Kirk Moldoff Studios, Princeton, N.J.