What is an Accuhaler?
An accuhaler is a circular-shaped
breath activated, dry powder inhaler (DPI). The drug is inhaled as fine
particles without a propellant in the formulation. There are 60 doses in each
accuhaler and can be counted with a dose counter. The drug mix is preloaded
into the device in foil covered blister packets. The foil lid is peeled off the
drug containing pocket as each dose is advanced. The drug is protected from the
environment as the blisters and lids are wound separately. The device must be
dry when delivering the dose and must be kept closed when not in use to protect
the drug.
Advantages
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Limitations
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Step-by-Step Guide to Using an Accuhaler
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How to Maintain an Accuhaler?
- Always check the dose counter; There are 60 doses in an accuhaler & the last 5 will show up in red.
- Always keep the accuhaler closed after use
- Always keep the acculaler dry
- Do not breath in / exhale into the accuhaler
- Use dry tissue to wipe mouthpiece after each use
- Never hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece pointing down during or after loading a dose; this can dislodge the medication. Keep it horizontal.
Authors: Loren Mundy, Uma Mageswari Sellvaraj, Ng Victoria, Nikhil Jotsingani