Dismiss Modal
Close

Management

Priming Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

Choose a preferred language


Step-by-Step

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

    Wash your hands.

  2. Hands holding inhaler upright, with canister visible at top of inhaler and arrow pointing to date on canister.

    Check the expiration date.

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

    Shake your inhaler for 5 seconds.

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

    Take the cap off.

  5. Person holding inhaler upright with one hand, pointing inhaler away from face.

    Point your inhaler away from you.

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

    Press down on the top three times.

  7. Hand holding inhaler upright, no cap on mouthpiece.

    Now your inhaler is ready to use.

Online Medical Reviewer: Allen J Blaivas DO

Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN

Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 08/01/2024

© 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.
Related Articles
Read article
Lung Health
Breathing Methods: Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing involves breathing with your diaphragm, a large muscle located below your lungs. Using your diaphragm makes breathing easier. Try this belly breathing exercise.

Read article
Lung Health
Cleaning Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

Here are images showing you how to clean your metered-dose inhaler.

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
Taking Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are medicines that help open the airways of your lungs. These medicines are used to ease breathing problems caused by lung diseases like asthma.

Powered by

WebMD Ignite

Copyright © 2026 WebMD Ignite except where otherwise noted.

About

Disclaimer

NCQA Certified
URAC Certified
Fort Health Logo

(920) 568-5000

(920) 568-5001

View Our Careers