How to use Respimat

Using your inhaler properly is important when you have asthma or COPD.

This short clip shows you how to use a Respimat inhaler.

Medications

A Respimat is used with a number of different medications. These include:

• Spiolto (tiotropium plus olodaterol)
• Spiriva (tiotropium)

Loading before first use

The Respimat cartridge needs to be loaded before using the inhaler for the first time. We suggest that you ask your pharmacist to do this for you.

If that has not been done, follow the steps for Respimat (loading before first use). 

Checklist of steps (daily use after loaded)

1. Hold inhaler upright with the cap closed 
2. Turn base in direction of arrows on label until it clicks (half a turn). 
3. Open the cap until it snaps fully open. 
4. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler). 
5. Put mouthpiece in mouth and close lips to form a good seal. (Do not cover air vents.) 
6. Start to breathe in slowly and deeply through mouth and, at the same time, press down on the dose button. 
7. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply. 
8. Hold breath for 5 seconds or as long as comfortable. 
9. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth. 
10. Breathe out gently (away from inhaler). 
11. Close cover to click shut. 
12. Two inhalations is the usual dose for medicines used with Respimat. Repeat from step 1 to get the full dose. 

Potential errors

• Exhaling into the device mouthpiece
• Mis-timing inhalation and pressing dose button
• Not replacing the mouthpiece cover after inhaling

Tips

• Ask your pharmacist to load the cartridge for you
• Always close the cover after use

Getting the most out of your inhaler

Ask your doctor, pharmacist or asthma & 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

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 Judi Wicking, 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 Boehringer Ingelheim. 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.