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Pharmacy & Pharmacology vocabulary · Dosage Forms

Inhaler

Meaning in pharmacy & pharmacology, with examples

/ɪnˈheɪlər/nounCore term

In pharmacy & pharmacology, inhaler means: A small device that delivers a measured dose of medicine as a fine spray or powder that the patient breathes into the lungs, mainly for asthma and COPD.

In Turkish: inhaler, inhalasyon cihazı, sprey ilaç

How it is used

The main types are metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), often used with a spacer, and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Patients often name them by colour, such as 'my blue inhaler' for a reliever, although colours vary by product. Checking inhaler technique is one of a pharmacist's most important counselling tasks.

Example sentences

  1. Can you show me how you use your inhaler at home?

  2. Using a spacer with this inhaler helps more of the medicine reach the lungs.

Common collocations

  • use an inhaler
  • inhaler technique
  • reliever inhaler
  • preventer inhaler
  • dry powder inhaler
  • dosage formThe physical form in which a medicine is made and given, such as a tablet, capsule, syrup, cream, injection, patch or suppository.
  • patient counsellingThe conversation in which a pharmacist explains to a patient how to use a medicine, what to expect from it and which side effects or warnings to watch for.
  • agonistA drug that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing an effect similar to that of the body's own natural substance.
  • corticosteroidA medicine similar to hormones made by the adrenal glands, used to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system in conditions such as asthma, eczema and arthritis.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Dosage Forms

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.