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A metered-dose inhaler is a handheld inhaler that releases a measured spray of medicine from a pressurized canister. It is also called an MDI. Metered-dose inhalers deliver medicine into the lungs for asthma, COPD, and other breathing conditions. Each actuation is designed to release a specific dose when the inhaler is used correctly.
read more about metereddose inhaler ...A metered-dose inhaler contains medicine, propellant, a valve, and a mouthpiece. When the canister is pressed, the device releases a measured spray. The patient breathes in slowly and deeply as the spray is released so the medicine can travel into the lungs. Good timing matters because spraying too early or too late can reduce how much medicine reaches the airways.
Metered-dose inhalers are used for rescue medicines, controller medicines, or combination respiratory medicines. They can deliver bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, anticholinergics, or other lung medicines. Some are used during symptoms, while others are used every day to control airway inflammation or prevent flare-ups. The treatment plan depends on the condition and prescribed medicine.
A metered-dose inhaler sprays medicine using a pressurized canister. A dry powder inhaler depends on the patient's fast, deep breath to pull powder from the device. A spacer or valved holding chamber can be used with many metered-dose inhalers to make timing easier. Dry powder inhalers are not used with spacers.
Patients should follow the product directions for shaking, priming, cleaning, and tracking remaining doses. A spacer can help more medicine reach the lungs and less medicine stay in the mouth. If the inhaler contains a steroid, rinsing the mouth after use can lower the risk of thrush. Seek urgent care for severe breathing trouble, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, or symptoms that do not improve after rescue medicine.
Not always, but a spacer or valved holding chamber can help some patients use an MDI correctly. It can reduce timing problems and help more medicine reach the lungs.
Many metered-dose inhalers need shaking before use, but directions vary by product. Follow the inhaler label or ask a pharmacist.
Yes, some rescue medicines come in metered-dose inhalers. Other MDIs are controller medicines and should not be used as rescue treatment unless prescribed that way.
Use the dose counter if the inhaler has one. If there is no counter, ask a pharmacist how to track doses because an inhaler can still spray propellant after the medicine is gone.
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