How To Use A Ventolin Inhaler

Ventolin (albuterol) is a beta-agonist bronchodilator. It is used to open the airways and make breathing easier. The Ventolin inhaler is a type of rescue inhaler. Although it can be prescribed for regular use, it is sometimes used in acute attacks. Your inhaler has two parts: the canister that contains the medication, and the plastic mouthpiece. Each canister contains about 200 puffs.

Step 1

Take the cap off the end of the inhaler. Make sure nothing is blocking the port where the medication sprays from. If the inhaler is new, has been dropped or has not been used in 14 days or more, prime the inhaler by pointing it away from you and pressing the top of the canister four times.

Step 2

Shake the inhaler well.

Step 3

Breathe out. Emptying your lungs before you begin will enable you to inhale the medication more deeply.

Step 4

Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.

Step 5

Inhale deeply as you press the top of the canister. Breathing in just before you press the canister ensures that you inhale as much of the medication as possible.

Step 6

Breathe in as deeply as you can and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, if possible. This keeps the medication in your lungs, so that it has time to begin working.

Step 7

Wait 1 minute. If your doctor has instructed you to inhale two puffs at a time, repeat steps 2 through 6. Do not use more than one puff unless your doctor has told you to do so.

Tips and Warnings

Some people find using an inhaler difficult. If using your inhaler does not become easier with practice, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting a spacer to use with your inhaler.
If you continue to have problems breathing after using your Ventolin inhaler, get medical attention immediately. Make sure you always have plenty of medication on hand. Refill your Ventolin inhaler when there are 20 doses left. Ventolin inhalers have a counter that tracks the number of doses remaining. If your inhaler does not have a counter, estimate the number of days your inhaler will last by dividing 200 by the number of sprays you use each day. Once all the inhalations have been used, throw the inhaler away, even if it continues to spray. There will not be enough medication in the inhaler to be effective.