See all videos

How to use Cipla with a spacer

Print page

Using your inhaler (puffer) properly is important when you have asthma. 

This short clip shows you how to use Cipla inhaler with a spacer. 

Medications taken with this inhaler 

Cipla inhaler is a metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), and is used for Fluticasone+Salmeterol Cipla.

Checklist of steps 

  1. Assemble spacer (if necessary)
  2. Check dose counter 
  3. Remove inhaler cap
  4. Hold inhaler upright and shake well
  5. Insert inhaler upright into spacer
  6. Put mouthpiece between teeth (without biting) and close lips to form good seal
  7. Breathe out gently, into the spacer
  8. Keep spacer horizontal and press down firmly on canister once
  9. Breathe in slowly and deeply
  10. Hold breath for about 5 seconds or as long as comfortable
  11. While holding breath, remove spacer from mouth
  12. Breathe out gently
  13. Remove inhaler from spacer
  14. If more than one dose is needed, repeat all steps starting from step 4
  15. Replace inhaler cap 

If the inhaler is brand new or you haven’t used it for a week or more, you will need to prime the inhaler before taking a dose. Check the package insert for instructions.

Dose counter

The inhaler has a colour-coded dose counter on the front that shows the number of doses left in the inhaler. The number changes after every 20 doses.

The colour in the dose counter will start to change from green to red when there are 40 doses left. It will turn completely red when there are 20 doses left; this is a good reminder that it’s time to get a new prescription.

When the counter hits 0, it means there is no medicine left and the inhaler should be discarded.

Common problems 

Tips 

Spacer care

Getting the most out of your inhaler 

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or asthma & respiratory educator to:

Different brands of inhalers sometimes have slightly different instructions to each other for similar steps. The checklists in our How-To Video library have been simplified and standardised where possible to reduce confusion. 

Your inhaler will come with instructions in the package. Always check the package insert for any specific instructions. 

Other inhaler types 

See our complete How-to video library for other inhaler types and how to use them. 

Acknowledgement 

Thanks to Ms Bernadette Flannagan, asthma and respiratory educator, and the patient who participated in this film clip. 

Development of this How-to video was supported by an untied educational grant from Cipla. The National Asthma Council Australia retained editorial control.

Disclaimer

Although all care has been taken, this video is a general guide only, which is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained herein.