check the side of the canister for the number of puffs it contains. then keep track of how many times you use it each day. this way you can estimate when your metered dose inhaler is likely to run out. put that date right on the canister. be sure to have your prescription refilled one to two days before this date. some mdi's contain a color-coded side window that indicates when the medication is running out. it may be difficult for you to keep track of how much you use your inhaler -- perhaps because you only use it every once in a while as a rescue medication. if so ask your doctor about mdis that count the puffs each time you press the inhaler. or ask about getting two inhalers at a time. when one runs out get a refill so you always have an inhaler handy. throw away the mdi when it is empty even if it continues to spray.
how do i keep track of how much medication is in my metered dose inhaler?