How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler

At a Glance: How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

  • How they work: Dry powder inhalers are breath-actuated, meaning they do not require hand-breath coordination like other inhalers. They deliver medication as tiny dry particles.
  • Technique: You exhale completely, then inhale quickly and forcefully through the mouthpiece. Then hold your breath for 5-10 seconds after inhalation.
  • Maintenance: DPIs must be kept completely dry and cleaned only with a dry cloth. Water or spacers should not be used.
  • Caution: People with milk allergies should exercise caution when using DPIs. These devices may contain traces of lactose.

Using dry powder inhaler correctly is essential for getting your full asthma medication dosage

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) do not require the hand-breath coordination of a pressurized MDI. They are breath-actuated, meaning the medicine is released to your airways when you take a deep, fast breath from the inhaler. DPIs typically require a quick, forceful inhalation; for some patients, this may make a DPI more or less difficult to use during an asthma flare.

Medication particles in DPIs are powdered, not wet like an MDI, and are so small they can reach the tiniest airways. You may not taste or feel the particles. They do not contain chemical propellants and people with milk allergy should be aware they contain traces of lactose.

Some asthma medications are available in both DPI and MDI form, and some patients include both in their treatment plan. Talk with your doctor about exactly what medication and device is best for you.

How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

Learn how to effectively use a dry powder inhalers (DPI) to better manage and control your asthma and ensure you receive the full medication dosage.

A variety of dry powder inhalers are displayed, including circular and rectangular designs. They feature different colors and labels, showcasing a range of brands and dosages available in the United States.

Dry Powder Inhaler Step-By-Step Instructions:

  1. Follow your device instructions to load the medication dose. Multi-dose inhalers are preloaded with medication, which you typically prepare with a click of the device. Single-dose inhalers use separately packaged capsules that you drop into the chamber.
  2. Stand or sit up straight and breathe out completely. Emptying your lungs is one of the most important steps.
  3. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth, close your lips tightly around it and breathe in quickly and forcefully.
  4. Take the DPI out of your mouth, hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, then exhale slowly.
  5. If your treatment plan calls for a second dose, reload and repeat the steps.
  6. When using a capsule device, open the chamber and check to see if the powder has been fully inhaled. If you see remaining powder, close the device, exhale fully, close your mouth around the mouthpiece and inhale again. When the capsule is empty, remove and discard it.
  7. Close the device and store in a dry place. Do not wash with water; use only a dry cloth to wipe the mouthpiece.

Dry Powder Inhaler Quick Tips

  • Do not open the device until you are ready to use it. • Never open or swallow the capsule – always use it with its matching DPI
  • Do not shake the DPI.
  • Do not use a holding chamber or spacer with a DPI.
  • With most DPIs, the mouthpiece should be pointed up or held horizontal when using in order to not dump the medication after loading.
  • Rinse your mouth after using, if instructed by your physician.
  • Multi-dose devices have an indicator to alert you to the number of doses remaining, or when the device is almost empty.
  • General instructions are that you should not allow your DPI to get wet. The mouthpiece should be wiped regularly with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Inhaling the dry powder may cause some people to cough; talk with your doctor if this happens.

Resources from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the NIH

How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler:
English Version How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler:
Spanish Version

Dry Powder Inhaler Questions & Answers (Q&A)

Here are some questions about dry powder inhalers that are often asked.

Common errors for people using a dry powder inhaler include:

  • not inhaling forcefully enough
  • breathing into the device before use
  • failing to load the dose correctly
  • not holding the inhaler properly
  • not following the specific instructions for the inhaler model

These mistakes can reduce the amount of medication that reaches the lungs.

When a person accidentally exhales into the inhaler before taking a dose, this can cause moisture to affect the powder. It reduces the device’s effectiveness.

Are there other conditions that may look like asthma or complicate asthma?

There are other types of respiratory conditions that are different than asthma.  The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment can vary depending upon the condition. Here are some of them.

➤ AERD

➤ alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

➤ bronchiectasis

➤ COPD

➤ COVID-19

➤ influenza, infections & viruses

➤ RSV

➤ sleep apnea

➤ vocal cord dysfunction