Can you buy spacers for inhalers over the counter?

Spacers are medical devices. Your doctor can write a prescription for one, and you can pick one up from most pharmacies. You can also buy them online, with or without a prescription.

What does 200 metered actuations mean?

Your inhaler canister has 200 puffs in it, you are told to take 8 puffs total every day. 200 puffs in container / 8 puffs per day = 25 days. This canister of medicine will last 25 days, so if you started using it on January 1, you should replace it on or before January 25.

How can I get my inhaler filled without seeing a doctor?

Yes, you can get an inhaler without going to the doctor by having a virtual appointment or getting an inhaler that’s available over the counter. Online doctors are able to write prescriptions for inhalers during virtual appointments.

Is an Aerochamber the same as a spacer?

A holding chamber or “spacer”, such as an Aerochamber® helps your child use a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Metered Dose Inhalers are used to get medicine directly into the lungs where it is needed. This allows the medicine to work quicker than the same type of medicine taken by liquid or pill form.

Are there different types of spacers?

There are different types of spacers – small, medium and large volume holding chambers. Some spacers have a mask attached which is suitable for young children. It is important that the child is measured for the mask as there are different sizes of masks. If the mask is too big, then medication may get into the eyes.

Does ProAir use a propellant?

ProAir HFA Inhalation Aerosol is a pressurized metered-dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation. It contains a microcrystalline suspension of albuterol sulfate in propellant HFA-134a (1, 1, 1, 2-tetrafluoroethane) and ethanol.

How many grams is a Proventil inhaler?

Each actuation delivers 120 mcg of albuterol sulfate from the valve and 108 mcg of albuterol sulfate from the mouthpiece (equivalent to 90 mcg of albuterol base). Canisters with a labeled net weight of 6.7 g contain 200 inhalations (NDC 0085-1132-04).

Can a pharmacist prescribe an inhaler?

If you lose it, or it’s run out and you can’t get a GP appointment, your pharmacist can prescribe an emergency inhaler.

What does a spacer do for an inhaler?

A spacer is designed to create a temporary space that holds the medicine before it is inhaled. It attaches to the inhaler making it easier to use. Not all inhalers support spacers, so read the instructions carefully before use. Some spacers also come with masks for smaller children or someone who cannot breathe through a standard spacer.

What to do if you use your inhaler the wrong way?

If you use your inhaler the wrong way, less medicine gets to your lungs. A spacer device will help. The spacer connects to the mouthpiece. The inhaled medicine goes into the spacer tube first. Then you take 2 deep breaths to get the medicine into your lungs. Using a spacer wastes a lot less medicine than spraying the medicine into your mouth.

Can a spacer be used in soapy water?

Although electrostatic charge can be reduced and lung deposition of aerosol correspondingly improved by priming the spacer/VHC with multiple dosages from a pMDI, this is wasteful of medication; similar effects accrue, to an extent, with repeated use of the device and by rinsing it in soapy water (see later) [ 28 – 30 ].

How often should you clean your inhaler spacer?

You should also clean your spacer before using it the first time. Once or twice a year, have your doctor check your spacer for cracks and to make sure it’s working properly with your inhaler. Some children and adults prefer using an inhaler spacer. Others would rather get the medication directly from the inhaler.