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Respimat Inhalers

Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Respimat inhalers are inhaler devices that help deliver a specific amount of medication to your lungs. They are commonly used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affect the lungs, making it more difficult for the person to breathe.

How should I use this medication?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
Loading before first use:

Steps	Description
1	Remove the clear base by pressing the safety catch button and pulling off the base with the other hand. Be careful not to touch the piercing element.
2	Insert the narrow end of your medication cartridge into the inhaler.
3	Place the inhaler on a flat surface and push down firmly until it clicks into place.
4	Replace the clear base by aligning the notch with the safety catch button and slide together until it clicks.
5	Turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows on the label until it clicks (half a turn).
6	Push on the small, circular opening tab until the cap snaps open fully.
7	Point the inhaler toward the ground and press the dose-release button. Look for a mist.
8	If you do not see a mist, repeat steps 6 to 8 until you see a mist.
9	Repeat steps 6 to 8 until a total of 4 consecutive mists is seen.
10	Your inhaler is now ready to be used

Daily use after loading:

Steps	Description
1	With the cap closed, turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks (half a turn).
2	Push on the small, circular opening tab until the cap snaps open fully.
3	Breathe out slowly and fully.
4	Close your lips around the mouthpiece without covering the air vents.
5	Point the inhaler to the back of your throat. While taking a slow, deep breath through your mouth, press the dark grey dose-release button and continue to breathe in.
6	Hold your breath for 10 seconds or for as long as comfortable.
7	Repeat steps 1 to 6 if you require another dose.
8	If you have not used the Respimat inhaler for more than 7 days, release one puff towards the ground before using the inhaler.
9	If you have not used the Respimat inhaler for more than 21 days, repeat the loading steps before use.
10	To clean the inhaler, wipe the mouthpiece inside and out with a damp cloth at least once a week. Do not remove the cartridge.

If you are using a reusable Respimat inhaler, your medication cartridge is used up when the dose indicator shows a white arrow with a red background.
To replace the medication cartridge

Steps	Description
1	Turn and remove the clear base.
2	Pull and turn the cartridge from the inhaler.
3	Insert a new cartridge until it clicks. The new cartridge will stick out more than the very first cartridge. Continue with steps 4 to 10 from “Loading before first use”.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not store medication above 30 degrees celsius. Keep this medication away from children.

Discard the medication cartridge 3 months after opening, even if there are doses left in the cartridge.

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on Jan 2022

This article was last reviewed on Tuesday, February 27, 2024