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Priming Your Metered-Dose Inhaler

Step-by-Step

Hands scrubbing with soap under faucet with running water.

Wash your hands.

Hands holding inhaler upright, with canister visible at top of inhaler and arrow pointing to date on canister.

Check the expiration date.

Hand holding inhaler upright, shaking inhaler up and down, with clock showing time passing.

Shake your inhaler for 5 seconds.

Hand holding inhaler upright, with other hand removing cap from mouthpiece.

Take the cap off.

Person holding inhaler upright with one hand, pointing inhaler away from face.

Point your inhaler away from you.

Hand holding inhaler upright and pointed away, with finger pressing on top of canister to spray medicine.

Press down on the top three times.

Hand holding inhaler upright, no cap on mouthpiece.

Now your inhaler is ready to use.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter G223 in the search box to learn more about "Priming Your Metered-Dose Inhaler".

Current as of: October 3, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Care instructions adapted under licence by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Care instructions adapted under licence by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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