This device is not available in the United States anymore.
Many medications are available as inhaled treatments. Inhaled methods deliver medication directly to the airway, which is helpful for lung diseases. The patient and healthcare provider can choose from a variety of delivery systems for inhaling medication.
A Turbuhaler® consists of a plastic device containing dry powdered medication. A Turbuhaler® is breath activated. This means when you inhale, the Turbuhaler® automatically releases the medication. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness. The portable size, efficiency and convenience make the Turbuhaler® a desirable method for inhalation treatment.
The following steps outline the best method to use a Turbuhaler®.
Before Using a New Turbuhaler®
- Remove the cap from the Turbuhaler® by unscrewing the cap.
- Hold the Turbuhaler® with the mouthpiece up.
- Turn the brown bottom of the Turbuhaler® all the way to the right and back to the left. You will hear it click.
- Repeat steps 2-3. Only follow steps 1-4 the first time you use your new Turbuhaler®.
Taking an Inhaled Treatment
- Remove the cap from the Turbuhaler® by unscrewing the cap.
- Hold the Turbuhaler® with the mouthpiece up. This will load the medication correctly.
- Turn the bottom all the way to the right and back to the left. You will hear it click. This will load the medication.
- Hold the Turbuhaler® away from your mouth and gently breathe out.
- Seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
- Inhale rapidly and deeply. Continue to take a full, deep breath.
- Resume normal breathing.
- Repeat steps 1-7 when more than one puff is prescribed.
- Rinse your mouth and spit out the water after inhaling the medication.
- Keep the Turbuhaler® cap on when not in use. This will keep the Turbuhaler® clean and dry.
Identifying When the Turbuhaler® is Empty
- When the red dot appears at the top of the window there are 20 doses left. Plan to get a new Turbuhaler® when you see the red dot.
- When the red dot is at the bottom of the window the Turbuhaler® is empty. Start using a new Turbuhaler®.
This information has been reviewed and approved by David Tinkelman, MD (August 2012)
