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Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler (Open-Mouth Method) Without a Spacer

Step-by-Step

  1. Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

    Wash your hands.

  2. Canister visible at top of inhaler, with arrow pointing to date on canister.

    Check the expiration date.

  3. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand removing cap from mouthpiece.

    Take the cap off.

  4. Hand holding inhaler upright, shaking inhaler up and down, with clock showing time passing.

    Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds.

  5. Hand holding inhaler upright and pointed away, with finger pressing on top of inhaler to spray medicine.

    Press on the top 3 times to prime, if needed.

  6. Person standing straight and person sitting straight in chair.

    Sit or stand up straight.

  7. Person breathing in through mouth.

    Breathe in once.

  8. Person breathing out through mouth.

    Breathe out completely.

  9. Person using two fingers to measure the correct distance between lips and inhaler.

    Hold the inhaler 2 finger-widths from your lips.

  10. Person holding inhaler away from mouth, pressing top of inhaler to spray medicine.

    Press down on the top of the inhaler once.

  11. Person holding inhaler away from mouth while inhaling medicine, with clock showing time passing.

    Breathe in slowly for 5 seconds.

  12. Person holding breath, with clock showing time passing.

    Hold your breath for 10 seconds.

  13. Person breathing out through mouth.

    Breathe out slowly.

  14. Person using inhaler a second time.

    Wait 1 minute to repeat, if needed.

  15. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand placing cap back on mouthpiece.

    Put the cap back on.

  16. Person holding glass of water and swishing water in mouth.

    Rinse your mouth out.

  17. Person spitting water into sink.

    Spit.

Online Medical Reviewer: Deborah Pedersen MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 6/1/2025
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