Most asthma medicines need to get into the lungs to work. It is very important  that you know how to use the asthma medicines the right way. You can ask the pharmacist, nurse, or provider to show you how to take your asthma medicine.

There are many devices that can be used to take an asthma medicine.

Special Instructions for All Inhalers:

• If you drop an inhaler or do not use it for more than a week, you may need to prime the inhaler. Read the medicine instructions about this and how to clean your device.
• Make sure to keep track of the number of doses left in an inhaler. Some inhalers have a counter, and some do not.
• Replace the inhaler when the counter is at zero, even if it seems like there is still medicine left.
• Do not keep the inhaler in very hot or very cold temperatures.
• Use the inhaler only as directed by your provider.
• Do not let children play with an inhaler or a spacer.
• One spacer can be used for all of your metered dose inhalers (MDI).
• A spacer should last at least one year.
• An inhaler can travel with you when you leave home.

Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

Metered Dose Inhaler This type of inhaler holds medicine inside of a can. The medicine comes out in the form of a mist which can be breathed into the lungs. An MDI is also called a pump or puffer. When the MDI is pumped, it gives just the right amount of medicine with each pump. A spacer should always be used when taking this medicine. Read the medicine instructions to get the MDI ready for the first use.

Spacers

A spacer device should always be used with metered dose inhalers (MDI). It helps slow down the speed of the medicine so the medicine can get into the lungs and not to other parts of the body.

RediHaler

A RediHaler consists of a pressurized canister of medicine in a plastic case with a mouthpiece. The RediHaler is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the RediHaler automatically releases a mist of medicine.

Respimat® Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI)

A Soft Mist Inhaler holds water-based medicines inside of a    can. The medicine comes out of the inhaler as slow mist and looks like a cloud. When the inhaler is activated, just the right amount of medicine comes out. A spacer should not be used when taking this medicine. Read the medicine instructions to get the MDI ready for the first use.

Dry Powdered Inhaler (DPI)

A dry powdered inhaler holds powdered medicine inside of it. The medicine comes out in the form of a powder, which can be breathed into the lungs. To get the medicine in the lungs you have to breathe in deep and fast. When the inhaler is ready to use, it gives just the right amount of medicine. A spacer should not be used when taking this medicine. Examples of this medicine include: RespiClick®, Ellipta®, Diskus®, Handihaler®, Inhub®, and Pressair®.

Nebulizer

A nebulizer mixes air with liquid medicine to make a mist. The mist is breathed into the lungs with a mask or mouthpiece. A nebulizer requires electricity or a battery. It takes 5 to 15 minutes to take the medicine with a nebulizer.

To Learn More, Watch This Video:

Asthma Medicine Devices

This education was created to help you. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with the healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and follow up.

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