What is the recommended action with a dry powder inhaler?

Using a dry powder inhaler requires specific techniques to ensure effective delivery of medication. The correct approach is to avoid shaking the inhaler before use. This is because dry powder inhalers rely on the patient's own inspiratory effort to convert the medication into an aerosolized form; shaking the inhaler can result in the medication settling and can decrease the amount delivered when inhaled.

It's essential for the patient to inhale quickly and deeply through the inhaler, which activates the medication, rather than relying on a propellant like in metered-dose inhalers. Therefore, not shaking the inhaler maintains the proper formulation and ensures that the medication is in its most effective state for inhalation.

Other techniques, such as using a spacer or closing the mouth tightly while inhaling, do not apply to dry powder inhalers and can actually hinder proper inhalation technique or dosing. Ideal practices focus on ensuring clear breathing techniques to maximize the effectiveness of the medication delivered by the dry powder inhaler.