How to Tell if an Inhaler Is Empty

As of 2008, estimates from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 16.4 million people in the United States have asthma and more than 13 million suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Metered-dose medications delivered through inhalation may be used to treat or prevent these and other respiratory conditions.



Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are typically filled with micronized drug in powder, fine mist or aerosol forms. These dose forms are essentially weightless, making it difficult to determine if an MDI container is empty or may still contain doses of medicine.



Some of the newer products on the market are equipped with dose counters indicating the number of puffs or actuations used or remaining inside the MDI canister. This is the most accurate method of determining remaining doses. However, on devices not so equipped, patients can estimate the number of remaining doses by recording MDI use in journal, chart or spreadsheet.

Instructions

MDI Equipped with a Dose Counter

• 1

  On an MDI equipped with a dose counter, the counter will advance each time the inhaler is activated. Take note of whether counter displays number of doses used or number of doses remaining.

• 2

  Determine the number of puffs or actuations the inhaler is expected to deliver. This information is often printed on the product package. If not, review the patient information dispensed with the inhaler or ask a physician or pharmacist to provide this information. For example, a standard-size albuterol inhaler will typically deliver 200 actuations.

• 3

  Review counter display periodically to see if inhaler still contains doses of medicine.

• 4

  Follow these procedures each time a new MDI is opened.

MDI without a Dose Counter

• 5

  Determine the number of actuations the inhaler is expected to deliver. This information may be found on the product package or supplied by a physician or pharmacist. A standard-size albuterol MDI will typically deliver 200 actuations, for example.

• 6

  Create a spreadsheet using a computer program or draw a chart manually for the purpose of keeping up with MDI use. The chart or spreadsheet should have at least enough rows for a month of use, since most MDIs provide a one-month supply. Two columns are needed.

• 7

  Label the first column "DATE" and the second "PUFFS USED." Beginning with the date the MDI is first used, place a check, hash mark or numeral in the space corresponding to use date for each actuation delivered. Patients may choose to employ a journal for this purpose as well. Date each entry and record the number of actuations delivered.

• 8

  Follow these procedures each time a new MDI is opened.