The Right Way to Use an Inhaler with a Spacer

1. Shake the inhaler for at least 10 seconds.
2. Insert the inhaler into the spacer (technique will vary with type of spacer; refer to manufacturer instructions).
3. Tilt your head back slightly. Breathe out until your lungs are completely empty.
4. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it. Do not block the opening with your tongue.
5. Press down once on the inhaler canister.
6. Breathe in deeply and slowly through your mouth.
7. Keep breathing in slowly, as deeply as you can.
8. If you can, hold your breath as you count slowly to 10. This allows the medicine to go to the deepest part of your lungs.
9. Wait at least 1 minute between puffs. This gives the medicine time to get into the lungs.
10. Repeat steps 1-9 if your doctor has prescribed more than one puff.

Checking How Long Your Medicine Should Last

1. Check the canister label to see how many “puffs” (metered inhalations) it contains. See picture to the right.
2. Add the number of puffs you take per day. For example, if the label says take two puffs twice a day, it would be a total of four puffs per day.
3. Divide this number into the number of puffs in the canister.
4. Count out 50 days on your calendar to remind yourself to get a refill on this medication