Wash your hands -- this helps to avoid infection.
If your inhaler parts are not already together, assemble them now.
Remove the end cap from the mouthpiece.
Remove the cap from the end of the spacer and attach the spacer to the mouthpiece.
Shake the inhaler well. This mixes the medicine with the propellants, both of which are in the canister. The propellants help the medicine "shoot" out of the inhaler when you press on the canister.
How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler With a Spacer
by Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N.
for About.comUpdated: December 5, 2006
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the different parts of your metered dose inhaler and spacer, it's time to get ready to use them.
Prev
- Get to Know Your MDI
- Getting Ready to Use Your MDI With Spacer
- Setting Up Your MDI and Spacer
- Breathe In Through the Spacer for the First Puff
- Hold Your Breath After Using the MDI With Spacer
- Exhale Slowly After Using the MDI / Spacer
- Repeat Steps 1 Through 6 As Needed
- Keep Everything Working With Your Spacer and MDI
- Make Sure You Don't Run Out of Medicine!
Learn More About MDIs
MDI FAQsTips for Mastering MDIsAll About MDIs (Master Resource)
More MDI How To's
How to Use an MDI Without a SpacerHow to Use an MDI With a Mask
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