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How to use Cipla inhaler

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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 

Tips 

Getting the most out of your inhaler 

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or asthma and 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.