Ways to take medicines Medicines for lung disease can be taken in many ways. They can be taken by liquid or pill, given by shot or inhaled.
Inhaled medicines There are a number of ways to spray a fine mist of medicine or moisture into your lungs. The most common way to do this is in the home with a nebulizer or with a metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer device. The MDI is the easiest and preferred device to use. It is a simple, portable sprayer that is mostly used for inhaling bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as steroids). See the next page for instructions and have your doctor or nurse show you how to use your inhaler.
mouthpiece medicine can spacer device
MDI with spacer
To use the MDI, it is best to use a spacer device or holding chamber. Using a spacer makes it easier to get the right amount of medicine to your lungs. One type of spacer is a small tube placed between the MDI and your mouth. The medicine is sprayed into the tube and then inhaled into your lungs. Get a refill when your inhaler is about ¼ full so you don’t run out. Check the side of the canister for the expiration date and the number
of doses it contains. Most MDIs have counters. If not, keep a record of each dose you use.
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