How To Use A Dry Powder Inhaler

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a handheld inhaler that contains medicine in dry powder form. A DPI is used to inhale (breathe in) medicine. It has a container, a valve, and a mouthpiece.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

How to use your DPI:

You may need to prime your DPI if you are using it for the first time. Each kind of DPI has its own set of instructions. Prime as directed. Your DPI may hold 1 or more doses of medicine. You will need to load your DPI each time you use it if it only holds 1 dose. Follow directions about how to load and use your DPI.

• Prepare the DPI: Remove the cover or cap from your DPI.
  
  
• Load a dose of medicine: Your DPI may have a lever that you slide or a piece that twists until you hear it click. Your DPI may have an opening that you push medicine into.
  
  
• Turn your head to the side: Exhale (breathe out) as much air as you can. Your lungs should be as empty as possible right before you breathe in your medicine.
  
  
• Close your lips firmly around the DPI: This will help prevent air or medicine from coming out the sides. Make sure your tongue does not block the opening of the DPI. Inhale deeply through your mouth. Breathe as deeply as you can.
  
  
• Remove the DPI from your mouth: Hold your breath for 10 seconds or longer. This will hold the medicine inside your airways and lungs. Slowly exhale.
  
  
• Repeat as needed: Repeat these steps until you have taken the correct number of doses. You receive 1 dose of medicine each time you inhale. Wait 1 minute between each dose.
  
  
• Store the DPI: Put the cover or cap back on your DPI. This helps to keep dirt and moisture out of the DPI. Do not store your DPI in a bathroom or other places where there is moisture. Moisture or dirt may cause your DPI to clog up or stop working correctly.

How to know if you inhaled enough medicine:

You may be able to taste or feel the medicine as you inhale it. You should not see dry powder coming from your mouth or nose when you use your DPI. Check the dose indicator on the DPI. The dose indicator shows a number that tells you how many doses you have left.

Other things to know about your DPI:

• Rinse your mouth after you use your DPI: This helps remove any powder left in your mouth. It may also help prevent a mouth infection.
  
  
• Clean your DPI: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe powder from the DPI mouthpiece. Do not use water to clean your DPI unless you are directed to do so.
  
  
• Do not use a spacer: A spacer is a tube that connects to metered-dose inhalers. This attachment is not needed when you use a DPI.
  
  
• Never blow air into your DPI: The moisture in your breath can clog or harm the DPI and cause it to stop working.
  
  
• Throw away empty DPIs: Make sure you have a new DPI ready to use after your current DPI is empty.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have trouble using your DPI.
  
  
• You think your DPI is not working correctly.
  
  
• You have a sore mouth or throat, feel shaky, or your heart is beating fast.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.