Albuterol is a rapid-acting medication that is commonly used to treat asthma. Albuterol is often given using a device known as a metered dose inhaler (MDI), which delivers a consistent dose of albuterol into the mouth. When the medication is inhaled it relaxes the airway, helping relieve the symptoms of asthma. Sometimes an albuterol MDI device can be used with a spacer, which is a small tube that helps the patient fully inhale all of the medication.
Step 1
Shake the inhaler vigorously three or four times.
Step 2
Take the plastic cap off both the inhaler and the spacer.
Step 3
Connect the inhaler to the non-mouthpiece end of the spacer.
Step 4
Put the mouthpiece of the spacer between your top and bottom teeth and close your lips around it, making a tight seal.
Step 5
Breathe out completely through your nose.
Step 6
Press down on the canister (in the inhaler) one time.
Step 7
Breathe in completely and slowly through your mouth. Hold your breath for 10 seconds.
Step 8
Wait one minute before taking any additional puffs. Depending on your prescription you may need to take additional puffs of the albuterol, so carefully follow your doctor's instructions.
Step 9
Replace the cap on the inhaler and the spacer when you are finished taking your albuterol.
Tips and Warnings
- During step 7, if you hear a noise similar to a horn while you are inhaling, you need to slow the rate of your inhalation.
Things You'll Need
- Albuterol MDI
- Spacer
