How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

STEP 1 - Remove the cap and shake the inhaler.
STEP 2 - Hold the inhaler about 1-2 inches in front of the mouth. Breathe out - completely.
STEP 3 - Press down on the inhaler to release the medicine as you start to breathe in slowly
STEP 4 - Breathe in slowly for three to five seconds.
STEP 5 - Hold your breath for ten seconds to allow the medicine to reach deeply into your lungs
If your doctor has prescribed two puffs, wait 1 minute and then repeat steps 2-5.

How to Use a MDI with a Spacer

STEP 1 - Shake the inhaler and then attach it to the spacer or holding chamber.
STEP 2 - Breathe out completely.
STEP 3 - Place the mouthpiece of the spacer in your mouth.
STEP 4 - Press down on the inhaler. This will put one puff of the medicine in the holding chamber or spacer.
STEP 5 - Breathe in slowly for 5 seconds.
STEP 6 - Hold your breath for 10 seconds and then exhale.
If your doctor has prescribed two or more puffs, wait 1 minute between each puff and then repeat steps 2-6

STEP 1 - Remove the cap and follow manufacturer's instructions to load a dose of medicine.
STEP 2 - Breathe out completely.
STEP 3 - Put the mouthpiece of the inhaler in the mouth.
STEP 4 - Breathe in quickly and deeply.
STEP 5 - Hold your breath for ten seconds to allow the medicine to reach deeply into your lungs
If your doctor has prescribed two or more inhalations, wait 1 minute and then repeat steps 2-5

An empty MDI is sometimes the cause of an unresponsive asthma attack.
Most MDIs hold 120 puffs of albuterol or other medicine. It should say on the side of the inhaler.
Shaking the inhaler and hearing fluid in it is not helpful. When the medicine is gone, extra propellant still remains.
The FLOAT TEST: Place the inhaler in a bowl of water and if it floats, assume it's empty. A new and completely full inhaler will sink. The float test is not 100 per cent reliable.