Treatment

Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler (Open-Mouth Method) Without a Spacer

Choose a preferred language


Step-by-Step

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

    Wash your hands.

  2. Canister visible at top of inhaler, with arrow pointing to date on canister.

    Check the expiration date.

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

    Take the cap off.

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

    Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds.

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

    Press on the top 3 times to prime, if needed.

  6. Person standing straight and person sitting straight in chair.

    Sit or stand up straight.

  7. Person breathing in through mouth.

    Breathe in once.

  8. Person breathing out through mouth.

    Breathe out completely.

  9. Person using two fingers to measure the correct distance between lips and inhaler.

    Hold the inhaler 2 finger-widths from your lips.

  10. Person holding inhaler away from mouth, pressing top of inhaler to spray medicine.

    Press down on the top of the inhaler once.

  11. Person holding inhaler away from mouth while inhaling medicine, with clock showing time passing.

    Breathe in slowly for 5 seconds.

  12. Person holding breath, with clock showing time passing.

    Hold your breath for 10 seconds.

  13. Person breathing out through mouth.

    Breathe out slowly.

  14. Person using inhaler a second time.

    Wait 1 minute to repeat, if needed.

  15. Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand placing cap back on mouthpiece.

    Put the cap back on.

  16. Person holding glass of water and swishing water in mouth.

    Rinse your mouth out.

  17. Person spitting water into sink.

    Spit.

Featured in

© 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.

Find the right providers for your needs.

CalOptima Health works with thousands of Orange County providers, including doctors, specialists, health networks, medical groups and more.

Find a Doctor

Get Care Now

Your health is everything to us. Please reach out for support if you need it.

Get Care Now
Related Articles
Read article
Lung Health
Using Single-Dose Dry-Powder Inhalers (DPIs)

You have been prescribed a single-dose dry-powder inhaler (DPI). It uses a powdered medicine capsule. You must put a new capsule into the inhaler each time you use it.

Read article
Lung Health
Step-by-Step: Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler With a Spacer

Here are images that show the steps for using a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer.

Read article
Lung Health
Using Breath-Actuated Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs)

You have been prescribed a breath-activated metered-dose inhaler (MDI). It gives you a fine spray of medicine when you breathe in.

Read article
Lung Health
Using a Metered Dose Inhaler (Closed-Mouth Method) Without a Spacer

Here are images that show the steps of inhaler use without a spacer.

Powered by

WebMD Ignite

CalOptima Health, A Public Agency

Copyright © 2025 WebMD Ignite except where otherwise noted.

About

Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

Disclaimer

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Your Privacy Choices

NCQA Certified
URAC Certified