Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) and Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI) for COPD
Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) and Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI) for COPD
Check the side of the canister for the number of puffs it contains. Then keep track of how many times you use it each day. This way, you can estimate when your MDI is likely to run out. Put that date right on the canister. Be sure to have your prescription refilled one to two days before this date. Some MDI's contain a color-coded side window that indicates when the medication is running out.
It may be difficult for you to keep track of how much you use your inhaler -- perhaps because you only use it every once in a while as a rescue medication. If so, ask your doctor about MDIs that count the puffs each time you press the inhaler. Or ask about getting two inhalers at a time. When one runs out, get a refill so you always have an inhaler handy.
Throw away the MDI when it is empty, even if it continues to spray.
These are the general steps for using a dry powder inhaler for COPD:
Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs): How to Use One When You Have COPD
In this article
- What is a metered dose inhaler?
- What is a dry powder inhaler?
- Why is it important to learn how to use my inhaler?
- How do I use a metered dose inhaler?
- How do I keep track of how much medication is in my metered dose inhaler?
- How do I use a dry powder inhaler?
- How do I keep track of how much medication is in my dry powder inhaler?
- What is a spacer?
- How do I use a metered dose inhaler with a spacer?
- How do I care for my inhalers and spacer?
How do I keep track of how much medication is in my metered dose inhaler?
Check the side of the canister for the number of puffs it contains. Then keep track of how many times you use it each day. This way, you can estimate when your MDI is likely to run out. Put that date right on the canister. Be sure to have your prescription refilled one to two days before this date. Some MDI's contain a color-coded side window that indicates when the medication is running out.
It may be difficult for you to keep track of how much you use your inhaler -- perhaps because you only use it every once in a while as a rescue medication. If so, ask your doctor about MDIs that count the puffs each time you press the inhaler. Or ask about getting two inhalers at a time. When one runs out, get a refill so you always have an inhaler handy.
Throw away the MDI when it is empty, even if it continues to spray.
How do I use a dry powder inhaler?
These are the general steps for using a dry powder inhaler for COPD:
- Remove the cap from the dry powder inhaler.
- Load a dose of medicine (how you do this depends on the type of inhaler you have).
- Turn your head and breathe out as much air as you can -- try and empty your lungs.
- Put the dry powder inhaler up to your mouth.
- Place the mouth-piece in your mouth and seal your lips firmly around the opening so no air or medicine can escape out the sides.
- Using just your mouth, breathe in once -- very deep and fast -- filling your lungs as deeply as you can. Dry powder inhalers are breathe-activated, so it's the breathing in deep and fast that gives you the right dose of medicine. Never breathe into the inhaler.
- Take your mouth off the inhaler and hold your breath for at least 10 seconds. Then slowly breathe out.
- If your doctor prescribed more than one dose of COPD medication, wait about 1 minute before taking the next dose.
- Replace the cap on the dry powder inhaler. Gargle and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash (usually advised only for steroid-type inhalers).