Some asthma medicines are taken with a metered-dose inhaler. Your doctor will show you how to use an inhaler. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
  2. Shake the canister.
  3. Tilt your head back and breathe out.
  4. Put the inhaler 1 to 2 inches away from your mouth. Or, if you’re using a spacer, put the end of it in your mouth and seal your lips around it. (A spacer is a tube that you attach to your inhaler. It makes using an inhaler easier.)
  5. Press down on the inhaler to release the medicine as you slowly breathe in for 3 to 5 seconds. (If you use inhaled dry powder capsules, close your mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the inhaler and inhale rapidly.)
  6. Hold your breath for 10 seconds so the medicine can get into your lungs.
  7. Repeat as many times as your doctor suggests. Wait 1 minute between puffs.