Inhaler technique – Accuhaler

1. Hold the outer casing of the Accuhaler in one hand whilst sliding the thumb grip away until you hear a click.
2. Hold the Accuhaler with the mouthpiece towards you, push the lever down until it clicks. It is now ready for use.
3. Breathe out gently as far as comfortable and away from the Accuhaler.
4. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it.
5. Breathe in as quickly and deeply as possible.
6. Remove the Accuhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as comfortable, then breathe out slowly.
7. For a second dose, close the Accuhaler, wait 30 seconds and repeat steps 1 to 6. Replace mouthpiece cover after use.

Wipe the mouthpiece with a dry tissue to clean it. If your inhaler contains a steroid ingredient, you should rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after using it; this is to prevent infections such as oral thrush.

7 Steps to Success, Inhaler Technique (2014) (adapted).

Asthma UK, ‘How to use your inhaler’ videos.

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, “My Lungs My Life” videos.

‘Getting the basics right, Inhaler Technique’. Primary Care Respiratory Society (2016).

Royal Sussex County Hospital COPD Nurse Specialist: 01273 523109.

Worthing Hospital Respiratory Nurse Specialists: 01903 205111. Extension: 85858.

St Richard’s Hospital Respiratory Nurse Specialists: 01243 788122. Extension: 32395.

You can also contact your community pharmacist or practice nurse for advice.

The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.