MDI

• Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDI)

  • USE A SLOW INSPIRATORY FLOWRATE to prevent it from hitting back of throat
  • Even with excellent technique – only 10 - 20% of the drug is delivered to the lungs (most hits back of mouth/throat)

  
• MDI Technique:

  • Shake the inhaler well
  • Remove the cap
  • Breathe out gently
  • Place inhaler in your mouth between your teeth and close your mouth around it
  • Start to breathe in SLOWLY (for around 5 seconds) and as you breathe in press the top of your inhaler once
  • Keep breathing in slowly until you have taken a full breath
  • Remove the inhaler from your mouth, and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, then breathe out
  • Repeat for each puff
• Which patients might struggle to use an MDI and why?

  • patients with impaired cognitive functions due to complex instructions
  • children
  • people with learning difficulties
  • very breathless patients