Tips for Using Metered Dose Inhalers

By Pat Bass, MD | Reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD
Updated July 21, 2017

Metered dose inhalers, or MDI for short, are some of the most prescribed asthma inhalers today. Here are a few MDI tips that will help you get the most out of your metered dose inhaler.

There are now many different types of inhalers for asthma such as dry powdered inhalers, breath actuated inhalers. Make sure that the instructions you are following are for your type of inhaler. There are a number of different resources-- so you need to make sure that the instructions you are following are for your specific inhaler.

Because your asthma control is dependent on getting medication into your lungs, you inhaler technique is very important. While your doctor is one source of education for inhaler technique, there are other places that may be better. Your pharmacy is obligated to give instruction on medications, but many of us sign a document that waives instruction. Finally, you might ask your doctor about seeing an asthma educator that can review your technique and provide feedback.

1
Practice, Practice, Practice!

Woman using a bronchodilator, France
BSIP/UIG/Getty Images

One thing that should help you master the technique of using a metered dose inhaler is to watch yourself follow the steps in front of a mirror.

You can also ask your doctor, respiratory therapist, or office nurse to watch you use your MDI. Do not practice with a real prescribed medicine because you could inadvertently exceed your prescribed daily dose and experience adverse side effects. Ask your health care provider for an MDI that does not contain active medication. This “placebo” MDI can be safely used to practice MDI technique.

2
Prime New or Infrequently Used Inhalers

If your metered dose inhaler is brand new, or if you haven't used it ​for more than 24 hours, you may need to "prime" it before using. Hold the MDI away from your mouth and spray it once into the open air. Priming will help make sure you get the full dose once you get ready to use the inhaler.

3
Don't Skip the Exhale Step

An important step in using your MDI is to blow out all the air in your lungs that you can before you breathe in the puff of medicine. Exhaling not only helps you take a deeper breath, it also helps you get the medicine deeper into your airways.

4
Wait 1 Whole Minute Before a Second Puff

If two puffs are prescribed at a time for either your controller medicine or your rescue inhaler, be sure to wait a full minute after the first puff before you take the second puff. This will ensure that the first puff has been fully circulated throughout your airways.

5
Prevent Fungal Growth

If you use an inhaled steroid medicine in your MDI, you could have some fungal growth in your mouth from leftover medicine after your puffs. To prevent this, rinse your mouth well with water after each dose. Spit out the water; don't swallow it.

Also, using your MDI just before brushing your teeth is a good way to avoid three things: fungal colonization, a bad taste in your mouth and a hoarse voice.

6
Watch the Heat

Never store your MDI in a place where it may be subject to high temperatures. This includes car trunks and glove boxes, or anywhere in the direct sunlight. Kitchens and bathrooms are better avoided, as well.

7
Know the Difference Between an MDI and a DPI

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are not the same as dry powder inhalers (DPI for short), and how to use them is different, too. Make sure you know what you have. Examples of DPIs are:

You don't need to shake a DPI and you should never blow into the inhaler.

8
Take Good Care of Your Inhaler.

It's important to keep your asthma inhaler clean so that it will keep working properly. When it's not kept clean, it may clog, preventing you from getting the full dose of your medicine in a puff. Be sure to rinse both parts under warm, running water for at least 30 seconds at a time once a week or more. Let it air dry.