What technique is recommended for inhaling medication from an MDI?

The recommended technique for inhaling medication from a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is to inhale slowly while actuating the device. This approach is crucial for effectively delivering the medication into the lungs.

Inhalation should be slow and steady because it allows for better aerosolization of the medication and promotes deeper penetration into the airways. When the inhalation is slow, the particles in the aerosol are more likely to reach the smaller airways and alveoli, where they can exert their therapeutic effects. Additionally, inhaling slowly while pressing the MDI ensures that the medication is not propelled too forcefully, which might cause it to be deposited in the throat rather than the lungs.

This technique fosters optimal drug delivery and helps minimize potential side effects associated with improper inhaler use, such as increased deposition in the upper airways, which may not provide the desired therapeutic benefit. Therefore, inhaling slowly while actuating the MDI maximizes the potential for effective medication delivery to treat asthma or other respiratory conditions.