Time between inhalations

[Minushabens]

I've been thinking about this for a while (mainly since I got to the point where I need to double breakfast time to fit them all in), & have read a couple of posts as well on the issue of how long you should leave between inhaler puffs.

When I was a lad & first got an inhaler (Intal), & through my time on Ventolin, Becotide, etc, I was always told to leave 2 minutes. This apparently was to give my lungs a rest between doses & allow the medicine to absorb.

I read somewhere else though that you should leave 30 seconds, the reason being to allow pressurised inhalers to recharge.

Does anyone actually know what is truth & what has just grown as mythology over the years? I take Symbicort as one of my inhalers for example, which doesn't have a pressurised canister, so could I take two one after the other? Or, could I take (say) Ventolin, then Symbicort while the Ventolin recharges, or would that put pressure on my lungs?

[PMRPete]

Good question! I take 1 puff of Symbicort 100/6 and then 1 puff of Oxis 6

I just open one, twist, inhale, put cap back on and repeat with the second inhaler; this makes about 30 seconds between, which I find works OK

I was told some years ago to take a puff of Ventolin first, to open up the airways to let the Symbi work better!

Pete

[Minushabens in reply to PMRPete]

Yes, I've been told that as well & will do it if I feel a bit tight (which then adds another puff into the picture!).

[hypercat54]

Hi when I took symbicort I always took 2 puffs one after the other with no gap. My nurse knew I was doing that and was fine with it.

I always took my preventer first then left a couple of minutes taking my reliever. x

[hypercat54 in reply to hypercat54]

Just had a thought - why not ask your pharmacist? Mine is really helpful. x

[Minushabens in reply to hypercat54]

That’s a good idea; I’ll do that!

[hypercat54 in reply to Minushabens]

Good. They know far more about drugs than any doctor does. Mine is fantastic and always has time to help no matter how busy he is. Let us know what s/he says. x

[Minushabens in reply to hypercat54]

Will do!

[Lori62]

Hello,

I was have just 2 inhalers and both like a simple ventolin inhaler. No capsules to put in. I was always told to use my rescue inhaler 1st and then my preventer 5 minutes later. But this was years ago. I was in the hospital last year because I fractured my ankle and needed surgery. They said 2 minutes between inhalers. And they allowed me that time. But when I had to go to a rehab after, they said no, one right after the other. But that’s because they couldn’t leave them with me, and they were pressed for time. It didn’t hurt me, still helped to the full effect. I try to leave time in between them here, on my own. But I also know that if I’m in a rush, it’s ok.

[Scoobs87]

I’ve always been told to leave 30 secs. Don’t know if it helps. But I take my inhalers through a spacer, I always take my ventolin first. As I think This opens up my airways and allows steroids to get in better, but at he moment, I’m not getting much relief.

[Destiny10]

Hi I was told 30 seconds between each puff & the Ventolin when needed

1 Minute between puffs.

[Minushabens]

Thanks everyone-it’s interesting that between us we get told different things. I never have the ‘2-minute rule’ much thought to be honest until I got to a point where my morning medication regime started to go over 10 minutes. It seems like there’s no medical reason for any sort of pause, or at least no more than half a minute anyway. As suggested though I’ll ask the pharmacy next time I’m there, & would be interested if anyone else does the same to compare answers.