Inhaled Medication With a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

What is a metered-dose inhaler?
Why should I use the metered-dose inhaler correctly?
Steps For Using an MDI
Metered-Dose Inhaler with Spacer
Breath-Activated Medication - Metered-Dose Inhaler
What's new with metered does inhalers?

What is a metered-dose inhaler?

The metered dose inhaler (MDI) consists of a pressurized canister of medication in a plastic case with a mouthpiece. Pressing the MDI releases a mist of medication. Its portable size, efficiency and convenience make the MDI a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

Why should I use the metered-dose inhaler correctly?

It is important to use a metered-dose inhaler correctly to get the full dosage and benefit from the medicine. Using the MDI correctly means the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways, which increases the medication's effectiveness. Using a good technique can also help reduce the side effects of medications. The following steps outline the best method to take an MDI without using a spacer attachment.

Steps For Using an MDI

1. Remove the cap from the inhaler.
2. Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece at the bottom.
3. Shake the inhaler. This mixes the medication properly.
4. Hold the mouthpiece 1½ - 2 inches (2 - 3 finger widths) in front of your mouth. This improves medication delivery by slowing mist delivery and only allowing small particles to be inhaled.
5. Tilt your head back slightly and open your mouth wide.
6. Gently breathe out.
7. Press the inhaler and at the same time begin a slow, deep breath. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply over 3 - 5 seconds. Breathing slowly delivers the medication deeply into the airways.
8. Hold your breath for up to ten seconds. This allows the medication time to deposit in the airways.
9. Resume normal breathing.
10. Repeat steps 3 - 9 when more than one puff is prescribed.

Clean the plastic case and cap by rinsing thoroughly with warm water, weekly.

Metered-Dose Inhaler with Spacer

Your doctor may suggest that you use a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer. Read more about how a metered-dose inhaler with spacer can be an effective delivery method.

Breath-Activated Medication - Metered-Dose Inhaler

The breath-activated metered-dose inhaler releases a mist of medicine when a person inhales. This type of inhaler has less propellant than a metered-dose inhaler. To use this inhaler, place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips around it. Breathe in deeply with a steady amount of moderate force.

Read more about Autohaler®, a type of breath-activated MDI.

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This information has been approved by Ann Mullen, R.N., M.S., AE-C  and David Tinkelman, M.D. (February 2006).