Devices for Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medicines, or medicines that you breathe directly into the lungs, are an important part of treatment for chronic lung disease. When inhaled, the medicine quickly reaches the airways and less is absorbed into the bloodstream. There are a number of devices that deliver medicine directly to the airways. Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) that use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellant have been most commonly used. New devices that don't contain CFCs have been developed and are currently available with different medicines.

Learn more about some inhaled medications:

• Dry Powder Inhaler
• Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
  • Nebulizer

It is important to routinely clean the inhaled devices to keep them working properly. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer for each device.

This information has been approved by David Tinkelman, M.D. (February 2006).