Metered-Dose Inhaler with InspirEase"
Explanation | Administering medication | Refills
What is a metered-dose inhaler?
A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is a piece of equipment that enables your child to breathe or inhale a fixed dose of his/her medication.
When your child uses a metered-dose inhaler, the medication works quickly, and it goes directly to his/her lungs. A spacer is always used with an MDI to maximize the amount of medication inhaled.
How to use a Metered-Dose Inhaler with InspirEase":
- To use this type of spacer, your child must be able to inhale through the mouth at the right time. Usually this is someone over 6 years of age who is able to follow instructions with demonstration. InspireEase" is helpful to a child learning to take MDI medications because the child can see the bag portion of the spacer to show his/her next move.
- Check the expiration date on the device before using it. Discard it if it has expired and get a new prescription.
- Connect the mouthpiece to the bag by lining up the tabs with the opening in the bag. Push in and twist.
- Gently open the bag by untwisting and expanding.
- Shake the canister. Remove the canister from its plastic sleeve and insert it firmly into the plastic holder directly in front of the bag portion of the InspirEase" spacer.
- Have your child breathe out as much of his/her air as he/she can.
- Have your child place the spacer mouthpiece into his/her mouth, gripping it gently with lips and teeth.
- Press down on the canister to release the medication into the spacer.
- Have your child breathe in slowly through his/her mouth. If you hear a whistle, have the child breathe slower.
- Have your child hold his/her breath and count to 10.
- Have your child breathe out slowly into the mouthpiece, filling the bag with air.
- Again, have your child breathe in slowly through his/her mouth; hold the breath for a count of 10 and breathe slowly out into the mouthpiece, causing the bag to fill again.
- Rest, wait 1 minute and repeat according to the direction given by your child's doctor.
How often do I need to get a refill?
Some metered-dose inhalers will still appear to be working even after the medication is gone, which can be dangerous.
- If your child uses his/her inhaler only as needed, you can determine the amount of medication inside by removing the canister from the plastic sleeve and shaking it gently with your index finger on the flat end. Obtain a refill when a small amount is remaining.
- If your child uses his/her inhaler at least once a day, you will need to get a refill from the pharmacy about once a month.
Patient Education Program II 2084 7/93
Rev. 6/05, 5/07
