Dr. Nasser A. Al-Ahmed ALLERGIST, CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGIST & INTERNIST
 
 
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The inhaler should be at room temperature before use. Make sure that the canister is seated in the plastic actuator before each use.

The MDI should be primed before using it for the first time. it should also be primed when the inhaler has not been used for more than 14 days or when the inhaler has been dropped. Follow the instructions below for priming:

First, SHAKE THE INHALER WELL immediately before each spray.
  Figure 1   1.   REMOVE THE CAP FROM THE MOUTHPIECE OF THE ACTUATOR (Figure 1). Inspect the inhaler mouthpiece for the presence of foreign objects before each use, especially if the strap is no longer attached to the actuator or if the cap is not being used to cover the mouthpiece. Make sure the canister is fully and firmly inserted into the actuator. SHAKE THE INHALER WELL immediately before each spray.
   2.   BREATHE OUT FULLY THROUGH THE MOUTH. Expelling as much air from your lungs as possible. Place the mouthpiece fully into your mouth, holding the inhaler with the mouthpiece down (Figure 2) and closing your lips around it.
  Figure 2    3.   WHILE BREATHING IN DEEPLY AND SLOWLY THROUGH YOUR MOUTH, FULLY DEPRESS THE TOP OF THE METAL CANISTER with your index finger (Figure 2). Immediately after the spray is delivered, release your finger from the canister. When you have breathed in fully, remove the inhaler from your mouth and close your mouth.
   4.   HOLD YOUR BREATH AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, up to 10 seconds, then breathe normally.
   5.   If your doctor has prescribed additional sprays, wait 1 minute and SHAKE the inhaler again. Repeat steps 2 through 4.
   6.   REPLACE THE CAP ON THE MOUTHPIECE AFTER EACH USE.
   7.   Never immerse the canister in water to determine the amount of drug left in the canister.
   8.   After using the medication, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth if appropriate time. Do this step if your medication contain steroid.   9.   DISCARD THE INHALER WHEN THE COUNTER READS 000 (after you have used 200 inhalations) or 2 months after removal from the moisture-protective foil pouch, whichever comes first. The correct amount of medicine in each inhalation cannot be assured after the counter reads 000, even though the canister is not completely empty and will continue to operate. When the counter reads 020, you should contact your pharmacist for a refill of your prescription or consult your doctor to determine whether a refill of your prescription is needed. Just as you should not take extra doses without consulting your doctor, you also should not stop using the drug without consulting your doctor.

DO NOT use after the expiration date, shown as “EXP”, on the product label and box.

HOW TO USE A METERED DOSE INHALER (MDI):