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Steps for checking how much medicine is in the canister
- If the canister is new, it is full.
- If the canister has been used repeatedly, it might be empty: (Check product label to see how many inhalations should be in each canister.)
To check how much medicine is left in the canister, put the canister (not the mouthpiece) in a cup of water.
- If the canister sinks to the bottom, it is full.
- If the canister floats sideways on the surface, it is empty.
Steps for using the inhaler
- Remove the cap and hold inhaler upright.
- Shake the inhaler.
- Tilt the head back slightly and breathe out.
- Position the inhaler in one of the following ways (A is Optimal. but C is acceptable for those who have difficulty with A or B):
A. Open mouth with inhaler 1-2 inches away
B. Use spacer (this is recommended especially for young children).
C. In the mouth. - Press down on inhaler to release medication as you start to breathe in slowly.
- Breathe in slowly (3-5 seconds).
- Hold breath for 10 seconds to allow medicine to reach deeply into lungs.
- Repeat puffs as directed. Waiting 1 minute between puffs may permit second puff to penetrate the lungs better.
- Spacers are useful for all patients. They are particularly recommended for young children and older adults and for use with inhaled steroids.
Note: Inhaled dry powder capsules require a different inhalation technique. To use a dry powder inhaler, it is important to close the mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler and to inhale rapidly.
