Your MD may prescribe meds that you breathe in using an inhaler. If the MDI (metered dose inhaler) does not come w/an inhaler, ask the MD to write a Rx for one. A spacer helps the med get farther into your lungs. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Remove the cap from the inhaler & the spacer. Attach the spacer to the inhaler. Then shake the inhaler well. Hold the inhaler w/middle finger on the sprayer. Put your index finger & thumb around the spacer.
Step 2: Breathe out normally through your nose. Then put the opening of the spacer in your mouth, between your teeth. Close your kips around it. Press down once on the sprayer. This sprays 1 puff of med into the spacer. Keep your chin up.
Step 3: Slowly breathe in through your mouth as deeply as you can. This should take at least 3 - 4 seconds. If you're breathing in too quickly, the spacer may make a whistling sound.
Step 4: Hold your breath as you slowly count to 10. Then take the spacer out of your mouth. Pucker your lips as if you were going to blow out a candle. Breathe out slowly.
If you're Rx'd more than 1 puff of med at a time, wait at least 30 seconds between puffs -- unless told otherwise by MD. Shake the inhaler again. Then respeat steps 2 - 4.
Check your box insert -- most MDIs contain 200 puffs -- keep a track of the number of sprays you use. Remember, a propellent is contained in the inhaler to propel the med to your lungs. When the inhaler is empty, you will still hear a sound -- this is the propellent NOT the med.