What is an Autohaler?
Autohalers are breath-actuated / breath-activated pMDIs which cannot be used with spacers. The canister of an autohaler contains the medication in a solution or suspension. This pressurised canister is also filled with a type of gas called hydrofluroalkane (HFA), that do not react with the medication. When the canister is activated by breathing in through the mouthpiece, a small amount of this gas is released and takes some of the medication with it. This vapour of air and medication is then channelled through the mouthpiece and delivered to the lungs when the patient inhales. Autohalers are designed so that each usage delivers a precise amount of medication. A dose counter may be included to indicate the number of doses that has been taken.
Advantages
|
Limitations
|
Step-by-Step Guide to Using an Autohaler
|
How to Maintain an Autohaler?
- Remove the mouthpiece cover
- Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry cloth
- Turn the Autohaler upside down. Tap back of the Autohaler. Flap should come down so that the spray hole can be seen.
- Clean flap with a dry cotton swab.
- Put mouthpiece cover back on. Make sure lever is down. Clean the Autohaler once a week or more often if Autohaler is visibly dirty.
How can I tell when the Autohaler is empty?
- Load the Autohaler by holding it upright and lifting up the lever
- There is a small sliding lever on the bottom of the Autohaler. Slide the lever across.
- If the Autohaler does not fire any medication, it is empty.
Authors: Loren Mundy, Uma Mageswari Sellvaraj, Ng Victoria, Nikhil Jotsingani