How to videos

How to use Cipla inhaler

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

This short clip shows you how to use Cipla inhaler.

Medications taken with this inhaler

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

Checklist of steps

1. Check dose counter
2. Remove cap
3. Hold inhaler upright and shake well
4. Breathe out gently away from inhaler
5. Put mouthpiece between teeth without biting and close lips to form good seal
6. Start to breathe in slowly through mouth and, at the same time, press down firmly on canister
7. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply
8. Hold breath for about 5 seconds or as long as comfortable
9. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth
10. Breathe out gently away from inhaler
11. If more than one dose is needed, repeat all steps starting from step 3
12. Replace 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 zero, it means there is no medicine left and the inhaler should be discarded.

Potential errors

• Holding the inhaler in the wrong position
• Not breathing in at the same time as pressing the canister
• Not breathing in deeply enough
• Not holding breath for long enough
• Taking several puffs without waiting or shaking the inhaler in between

Tips

• Keep your chin up and the inhaler upright (not aimed at the roof of your mouth or your tongue)
• Rinse your mouth with water and spit after inhaling the last dose to reduce the risk of side-effects
• To get the most benefit from your medication, also use a spacer.

Getting the most out of your inhaler

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

• Explain how your inhaler should be used
• Check you are using your inhaler properly
• Tell you where to find the expiry date on your inhaler
• Show you how to check if your inhaler is empty or nearly empty
• Discuss any unwanted effects from your medication
• Explain how to clean your inhaler and spacer (if you have one)

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.