Inhaled Medication With a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

Many medications are available as inhaled treatments. Inhaled methods deliver medication directly to the airway, which is helpful for lung diseases. The patient and healthcare provider can choose from a variety of delivery systems for inhaling medication.

A HandiHaler® consists of a plastic device to inhale medication. A capsule of powdered medication is placed in the device. The HandiHaler® is breath activated, which means when you inhale, the HandiHaler® automatically releases the medication.

When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the HandiHaler® a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

Transcript

A HandiHaler is a breath-activated device, which means that the medication is released when you inhale.

To use the HandiHaler, open the cover of the HandiHaler by pushing the green button on the side of the HandiHaler. Open the mouthpiece of the HandiHaler by pulling the mouthpiece ridge up. Now you can get the capsule out of the foil packet. Remove the medication capsule from the foil packet by peeling the paper backing until the capsule is fully visible. Do not remove the capsule from the foil packet until you’re ready to take the medication.

Place the capsule in the hole in the center of the HandiHaler. Close the mouthpiece. You will hear a click when the mouthpiece is closed. Leave the cover open. Hold the HandiHaler with the mouthpiece up. Press the green button on the side of the HandiHaler; this will puncture the capsule. Once the capsule is punctured, you will need to keep the HandiHaler steady. Do not shake it, cough, or breathe into it or you will lose some of the medication.

To take your medication, turn away from the mouthpiece and breathe out. Tilting your head back slightly, carefully bring the HandiHaler to your mouth. Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and breathe in rapidly and deeply so you can feel the capsule vibrate as you inhale. Remove the HandiHaler from your mouth and hold your breath for as long as you can, up to 10 seconds. Let’s see what that should look like. I’ve already gotten it ready and punctured the capsule.

To be sure you’ve got all the medication, exhale and do that one more time. When you’re done, open the mouthpiece and drop the capsule into the trash. Try not to touch the capsule, just drop it in there. Clean the mouthpiece with a clean cloth when it appears dirty or at least once a week. Always close the HandiHaler after use to help keep the HandiHaler clean.

How to Assemble the HandiHaler®

Each capsule for the HandiHaler® is individually wrapped. The wrapping is called a blister card. When you are ready to use the capsule, separate one blister pack from the blister card. (To do this, tear along the perforation). Take the capsule out of the blister pack. (To do this, find the corner of the blister pack with the arrow. Peel back this corner of the blister pack until you see the capsule.)
Open the cover of the HandiHaler® by pressing the green button on the side on the device. Lift the cover. (See photo)
Open the mouthpiece of the HandiHaler® by lifting the mouthpiece ridge. (See photo)
Place the capsule in the hole in the center of the HandiHaler®.
Close the mouthpiece. You will hear a click when the mouthpiece is closed.
Leave the cover of the HandiHaler® open.

How to Take an Inhaled Treatment

Hold the HandiHaler® with the mouthpiece up. Press the green button on the side of the HandiHaler® once firmly. This will pierce the capsule, so you can inhale the medication when you breathe in. (See photo)
Hold the HandiHaler® away from your mouth and gently breathe out. Do not blow into the HandiHaler®.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
Inhale slowly and deeply but a rate sufficient to hear the capsule vibrate. Continue to take a full, deep breath.
Resume normal breathing.
You can repeat steps 2 to 5 again to make sure you inhale the medication.
Open the mouthpiece and throw away the used capsule.
Do not touch the capsule once it has been pierced.

This information has been reviewed and approved by Ann Mullen, RN, CNS, MSN, AE-C (December 2014)