Using an Aerolizer®

Many medications are available as inhaled treatments. Inhaled methods deliver medication directly to the airway, which is helpful for lung diseases. The patient and healthcare provider can choose from a variety of delivery systems for inhaling medication.

An Aerolizer® consists of a plastic device to inhale medication. A capsule of powdered medication is placed in the device. The Aerolizer® is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the Aerolizer® automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the Aerolizer® a desirable method for inhalation treatment.

The following steps outline the best method to use an Aerolizer®.

Transcript

The Aerolizer is a breath-activated device, which means that the medication is released when you inhale.

To use the Aerolizer, pull off the mouthpiece cover, push the mouthpiece open in the direction of the arrow. Remove the medication capsule from the foil packet by peeling the paper backing and then pushing the capsule through the remaining foil. Do not remove the capsule from the foil packet until you’re ready to take the medication. Place the capsule in the base of the Aerolizer. Close the mouthpiece. You will hear a click when the mouthpiece is closed. Hold the Aerolizer straight up, squeeze the 2 side buttons, and let go. This will puncture the capsule. Once the capsule is punctured, you will need to keep the Aerolizer steady. Do not shake it, cough, or breathe into it, or you will lose some of the medication.

To take your medication, turn away from the mouthpiece and breathe out. Tilting your head back slightly, carefully bring the Aerolizer to your mouth. Be sure the buttons are on the sides, not at the top and bottom. Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece and breathe in rapidly and deeply. You will hear the capsule whirl inside the Aerolizer as you inhale. Remove the Aerolizer from your mouth and hold your breath for as long as you can – up to 10 seconds. Let’s see what that should look like. It’s all ready to go – we punctured the capsule.

If you don’t hear a whirling sound as you inhale, the capsule may be stuck. Simply tap the side of the Aerolizer to loosen the capsule. To be sure you inhaled all of the medication, open the mouthpiece and look at the capsule. If you see powder in the capsule, inhale the medication again. When you’re done, open the mouthpiece and drop the capsule into the trash. Clean the mouthpiece with a clean cloth when it appears dirty or at least once a week. Always put the mouthpiece cover back on to help keep the Aerolizer clean.

How to Assemble the Aerolizer®

Each capsule for the Aerolizer® is individually wrapped. When you are ready to use the capsule, take the capsule out of the wrapper. To do this, peel back the corner of the wrapper until you see the capsule.
Take the lid off the Aerolizer®.
Twist the top of the Aerolizer® to open it.
Place the capsule in the hole in the center of the Aerolizer®.
Twist to close the top of the Aerolizer®.

Taking an Inhaled Treatment

Hold the Aerolizer® with the mouthpiece up. Press the buttons on the sides of the Aerolizer® once firmly. This will pierce the capsule, so you can inhale the medication when you breathe in.
Hold the Aerolizer® away from your mouth and gently breathe out. Do not blow into the Aerolizer®.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
Inhale rapidly and deeply. Continue to take a full, deep breath.
Resume normal breathing.
You can repeat steps 2 to 5 again to make sure you inhale the medication.
Twist the top of the Aerolizer® to open. Throw away the used capsule.
Place the lid back on the Aerolizer® when not in use. This will help keep the Aerolizer® clean and dry.

This information has been reviewed and approved by Ann Mullen, RN, CNS, MSN, AE-C (December 2014)