Home
Health Encyclopedia
Print
Search Clinical Content Search Patient Health Library
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings

Using Breath-Activated Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs)

You have been prescribed a breath-activated metered-dose inhaler (MDI). It gives you a fine spray of medicine when you breathe in. Your healthcare provider will show you how to use this inhaler. Here is a helpful step-by-step. Keep in mind that not all breath-activated MDIs work in the same way. Always follow the instructions from your healthcare team. Or the instructions that come with your medicine

How to use a breath-activated MDI

  1. Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water.

  2. Take the cap off the inhaler mouthpiece.

  3. Hold the inhaler upright. Be sure not to block the air vents on the bottom of the inhaler.

  4. Push up the lever on top. It will click into place.

  5. Turn away from the inhaler. Breathe out gently.

  6. Put the mouthpiece between your lips. Close your lips tightly around it.

  7. Breathe in slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece. You will hear a clicking sound. Keep breathing in.

  8. Take the mouthpiece out of your mouth. Keep your lips closed. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds.

  9. Turn away from the inhaler. Breathe out slowly through your mouth.

  10. Push down the lever on top.

  11. Repeat steps 3 to 10 for each dose your provider instructs you to take.

  12. Place the cap back on.

  13. Rinse your mouth with water. Spit the water out.

Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Southard RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2023
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by Krames by WebMD Ignite
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.

These resources and their content are provided by a third party for informational purposes and do not necessarily reflect the values and positions of Ascension, its ministries, or its subsidiaries.

About StayWell | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

The Services may integrate with Third-Party Apps or contain third-party content or provide links to third-party websites. For example, the Services may integrate with Third-Party App providers to provide you with information. You authorize Ascension to transmit information about You to and receive information about You from applicable third parties.
You agree that Ascension is not responsible for Third-Party Apps, third-party content or third-party websites, and does not make any endorsements, representations or warranties regarding the same. Your use thereof is at Your own risk and subject to the third party’s terms and conditions, as applicable. By using a Third-Party App or third-party content or websites, You agree to the applicable third party’s terms and conditions, even if Ascension does not present them to You at the time of Your use.