Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

This medicine should come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

To use the inhaler:

  • Before using the inhaler, activate it first by shaking then test spraying into the air away from your face 4 separate times.
  • Shake and spray into the air once each time you take a dose.
  • Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean.
  • To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully and try to get as much air out of your lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright.
  • Open your mouth and breathe in slowly and deeply (like yawning), and at the same time firmly press down on the top of the canister once.
  • Hold your breath for as long as you can.
  • Release your finger and remove the inhaler from your mouth, then exhale slowly.
  • If your symptoms are still not relieved after at least 1 minute, take a second inhalation.
  • Wash your inhaler by removing the red cap and container. Run water through both ends of the mouthpiece for 30 seconds. Shake off as much water as you can. Air dry overnight. If you need to use the inhaler but it is still wet, shake off the excess water before using.
  • The container of the inhaler contains a spray indicator. This will tell you how much medicine you have left. The spray indicator changes every after 20 sprays. Replace your inhaler as soon as the display reads "20".
  • Do not use this medicine to treat other breathing problems, without first checking with your doctor.
  • Avoid food or drinks that contain caffeine.
  • Avoid supplements that contain, or claim to have, stimulant effects.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For inhalation dosage form (aerosol):
    • For relief of asthma symptoms:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—1 to 2 inhalations for each dose. Wait at least 1 minute between each inhalation. Wait at least 4 hours between doses. Do not use more than 8 inhalations in 24 hours.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw the inhaler away if the spray indicator displays "0" or if it has expired.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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