How to use an albuterol inhaler

An albuterol inhaler is used to treat or prevent tightening and swelling of the muscles around the airways, often caused by asthma. This tightening and swelling is also called bronchospasm.

Albuterol inhalers also come in brand-name forms, such as Ventolin HFA.

Albuterol also comes in other forms that aren’t described in this article. They are:

• oral tablets
• oral syrup
• powder for inhaling
• liquid solution for inhaling through a nebulizer device

By inhaling albuterol through an inhaler, you are ensuring that it reaches your airways as quickly as possible. However, it is important to use the inhaler correctly for best results.

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What is the correct way to use an albuterol inhaler?

You’ll inhale albuterol into your lungs using the inhaler device. Healthcare professionals may instruct some people to use the albuterol inhaler with a spacer, and some people will use it without one. This section describes how to use an albuterol inhaler without a spacer. See the “How do I use an albuterol inhaler with a spacer” section to learn how to use it with a spacer.

Priming your inhaler

If you are using your albuterol inhaler for the first time, or if it has been 14 days or more since the last time you used it, you will need to prime the inhaler. To prime your inhaler:

1. Remove the protective dust cap from the mouthpiece of the inhaler.
2. Shake the inhaler well, and spray it into the air away from your face.
3. Shake and spray the inhaler like this 2 more times to finish priming it.
4. The number in the dose indicator window should read “200” after you prime the inhaler for the first time.

Getting the inhaler ready

Each time you use your albuterol inhaler, it’s important to do the following:

• ensure the cap is off
• check inside the mouthpiece and make sure there is nothing in it
• shake the inhaler well, usually for about 10 to 15 seconds

Taking a puff from your inhaler

After priming your inhaler if needed and getting your inhaler ready for use, you can take a puff from your albuterol inhaler. Your inhaler device will deliver one puff at a time. You should take as many puffs as your doctor prescribes. To take a puff from your inhaler:

1. Exhale out through your mouth (away from the inhaler). Try to push out as much air from your lungs as you can, then hold your breath briefly.
2. Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Put the plastic mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it to form a tight seal.
3. Push the top of the inhaler canister all the way down while you take a breath in through your mouth, inhaling deeply and slowly for 3 to 5 seconds. You will only need to push the inhaler canister down once.
4. Take the inhaler out of your mouth, and try to hold your breath for 10 seconds. This helps the albuterol to reach deeper into your lungs.
5. Exhale slowly.
6. If your doctor has directed you to take multiple puffs, wait 1 minute before taking your next puff.
7. When you finish using your albuterol inhaler, put the cap back on the mouthpiece and make sure it is firmly closed.
8. Rinse your mouth with water, gargle and spit, or brush your teeth. Do not swallow this water. This helps reduce side effects from albuterol.

For a more detailed description of how to use your albuterol inhaler, see the instructions at the bottom of the prescribing information. These instructions also contain important information on how to clean and store your albuterol inhaler.

How do I use an albuterol inhaler with a spacer?

Your doctor may recommend that you use a spacer with your albuterol inhaler. Spacers or valved holding chambers are plastic tubes that attach to the mouthpiece of your inhaler. Spacers may help avoid problems with spraying and breathing at the same time. They can help minimize side effects and make it easier to take your medication when you are having asthma symptoms.

To use an albuterol inhaler with a spacer, you will still need to prepare the inhaler by priming it if it is your first time using it, or if you haven’t used it in 14 days or more. Then, follow the steps below:

1. Shake the inhaler well, usually for about 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Ensure the inhaler is properly attached to the correct end of the spacer and that the plastic cap at the end of the spacer is off.
3. Exhale out through your mouth (away from the inhaler). Try to push out as much air from your lungs as you can, then hold your breath briefly.
4. Put the spacer mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it to form a tight seal.
5. Push the top of the inhaler canister all the way down while you take a breath in through your mouth, inhaling deeply and slowly for 3 to 5 seconds. You will only need to push the inhaler canister down once.
6. Take the spacer mouthpiece out of your mouth, and try to hold your breath for 10 seconds. This helps the albuterol to reach deeper into your lungs.
7. Exhale slowly.
8. If a healthcare professional has directed you to take multiple puffs, wait 1 minute before taking your next puff.
9. When you finish using the albuterol inhaler and spacer, put the cap back on the spacer and make sure it is firmly closed.
10. Rinse your mouth with water and gargle, and spit, or brush your teeth. Do not swallow this water. This helps reduce side effects from albuterol.

How often can I use my albuterol inhaler?

How often you can use your albuterol inhaler may vary based on your condition. Doctors may prescribe two puffs of albuterol every 4 to 6 hours for airway tightness caused by asthma or COPD. For airway tightness caused by exercise, they may prescribe two puffs taken 15 to 30 minutes before exercising. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for how often you should use your inhaler and how many puffs you should take.

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Summary

To use an albuterol inhaler, it’s important to make sure the inhaler has been primed before shaking it and removing the mouthpiece or attaching it to a spacer. You’ll then exhale fully, press the inhaler canister down while you breathe in slowly, and hold your breath for 10 seconds before breathing out.

Your doctor will let you know how often you can use your albuterol inhaler and how many puffs you should take each time you use it.

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