Treatments and tests

How to use an accuhaler

Accuhalers can be used by adults and children over 8.

  1. Hold the accuhaler with one hand and place thumb of other on the thumb grip. Open the accuhaler by pushing the thumb grip around until it clicks.
    child's hands holding the accuhaler
  2. Slide the lever down until it clicks. The medicine is now loaded.
    child's thumb moving lever on accuhaler
  3. Breathe out gently away from the mouthpiece.
    Child moving accuhaler towards mouth
  4. Place mouth over the mouthpiece and breathe in deeply and steadily through your mouth.
    Child placing accuhaler on lips
  5. Remove the accuhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds. Close the accuhaler.
    Child holding accuhaler in hands

If another dose is required repeat steps 3 to 5.

When ﬁnished, close the accuhaler by placing thumb in the thumb grip and sliding it back around until the cover clicks back into place.

How can I tell when the accuhaler is empty?

There are 60 doses of medication in the accuhaler. A dose counter on the side of the accuhaler will tell you how many doses you have left. The last 5 will show up red.

Child holding accuhaler so the dose counter can be seen

How should you look after an accuhaler?

  • Avoid breathing into the accuhaler as moisture will cause the device to become clogged.
  • Avoid getting your accuhaler wet – keep it in a dry place.
  • Keep the accuhaler closed when it is not being used.


Child and Adolescent Health Service – Community Health (CAHS CH)


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