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Management

Priming Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

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Step-by-Step

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

    Wash your hands.

  2. Hands holding inhaler upright, with canister visible at top of inhaler and arrow pointing to date on canister.

    Check the expiration date.

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

    Shake your inhaler for 5 seconds.

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

    Take the cap off.

  5. Person holding inhaler upright with one hand, pointing inhaler away from face.

    Point your inhaler away from you.

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

    Press down on the top three times.

  7. Hand holding inhaler upright, no cap on mouthpiece.

    Now your inhaler is ready to use.

Online Medical Reviewer: Allen J Blaivas DO

Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN

Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 08/01/2024

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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