Respimat

The Respimat is a soft mist inhaler. When you press the inhaler, it releases a soft mist of medicine that you need to breathe in slowly and steadily. This type of inhaler does not use a propellant, a type of gas.  

Learn how to correctly use a Respimat by watching the video or following the steps below. 

Steps for assembling a Respimat 

The Respimat comes in two pieces. The inhaler, and a cartridge. It needs to be put together and primed before you use it for the first time. Ask your pharmacist if they can do this for you or follow the steps below. 

1. Keep the cap closed. 

2. Remove the clear base: press the safety catch button on the side and pull base off. 

3. Put the cartridge into inhaler. 

4. Place inhaler on a flat surface and push down firmly until it clicks into place. (cartridge will not be completely flush with the base). 

5. Replace clear base and push until you hear a click. 

The inhaler is now ready to be primed. 

Steps for priming a Respimat

The Respimat needs to be primed before you use it for the first time. It also needs to be primed if you haven’t used it for a week or longer. 

1. Hold inhaler upright. 

2. Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows on the label until it clicks (half a turn). 

3. Open the cap. 

4. Point the inhaler down toward the ground. 

5. Press the dark grey button. You will see a cloud of mist come out of the mouthpiece. 

6. Close the cap. 

7. The first time you use it, repeat these steps three more times (four times total). 

8. If you haven’t used the inhaler for three weeks, repeat these steps three more times (four times total). 

9. If you haven’t used the inhaler for a week, you only need to do this once. 

The Respimat is now primed and ready for use. 

Steps for using a Respimat

Check the dose indicator. 

2. Hold inhaler upright with cap closed. 

3. Turn the base in the direction of the arrows on the label until it clicks (half a turn). 

4. Open the cap. 

5. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler. 

6. Place mouthpiece between teeth without biting and create a good seal with your lips. Do not cover the air vents on either side of the mouthpiece. 

7. While taking a slow, steady breath in, press the dark grey button. 

8. Continue to breathe in slowly and steadily for 4 to 5 seconds. 

9. Take inhaler out of your mouth, and hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable. 

10. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler. 

11. Close the cap. 

The usual dose is two puffs but be sure to check with your GP or pharmacist. For a second puff, wait 30 seconds and repeat steps 2 to 11. 

When is the Respimat empty?

1. The dose indicator on the side of the inhaler shows you how many puffs you have left. Every time you use the inhaler it will count down by one. 

2. When it enters the red area, you have 7 days left of medicine (14 puffs). It is time to go to the pharmacy to get a new cartridge. 

3. When the dose indicator gets to zero, the inhaler locks and you cannot turn the base or press the button. Pull out the empty cartridge and insert a new cartridge (follow the steps above for assembling and priming a Respimat®). 

4. If you have difficult loading and priming the new cartridge, ask your pharmacist to load it for you. 

How do I clean and store the Respimat? 

Wipe the mouthpiece with a clean, dry tissue before closing the cap. Do not wash the mouthpiece or allow it to get wet when cleaning. Close the cap when not in use. 

Check the expiration date on your medicine. Ask your pharmacist how to safely get rid of any medicine you don’t need. 

If you have any questions about using this inhaler, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Your inhaler will come with instructions. Always read these instructions for important information on how to use it.