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For adults and older children prescribed capsules (rotacaps) to be inhaled through a Rotahaler, Revolizer or similar device.

Drawing: A capsule inhaler, the capsules, their bottle kept closed, and the lungs. — A capsule inhaler, the capsules, their bottle kept closed, and the lungs.

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The capsule is for breathing in, never for swallowing. With a powder inhaler you must breathe in fast and deep. This is the opposite of a puffer, where you breathe in slowly.

Rotahaler

Hold it upright. Push one capsule, clear end first, into the capsule hole. The fin inside must not sit directly under the hole.
Hold the mouthpiece and turn the base until it stops. This splits the capsule.
Breathe out fully, away from the device.
Put the mouthpiece between your teeth and seal your lips. Tilt your head slightly back.
Breathe in through the mouth, as fast and as deep as you can.
Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable.
If you think powder is left, breathe out away from the device and breathe in through it again.
Then open it and throw away the empty capsule shells.

Revolizer

Pull back the mouthpiece to open it.
Put one capsule, clear end first, into the chamber.
Close the mouthpiece firmly until it clicks. This pierces the capsule.
Breathe out fully, away from the device.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece. Keep your head straight.
Breathe in through the mouth, as fast and as deep as you can.
Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as is comfortable.
Open it. If powder is left in the capsule, close it and breathe in again. Then throw away the empty capsule.

Do

Keep the capsule bottle tightly closed. Take a capsule out only when you are about to use it.
After a steroid capsule, rinse your mouth, gargle and spit.
Rinse the device in running water as the leaflet says (the Revolizer at least once a week) and let it dry fully in the air.
Replace the device as the maker advises: a Rotahaler after about 6 months of daily use, a Revolizer after about 8 months.

Do not

Never breathe out into the device. Moisture clumps the powder.
Never use the device while it is wet.
Do not store a capsule inside the device.
Do not push a cloth or a pin into the mouthpiece.
Do not swallow the capsule.

A powder inhaler may not suit you if

You cannot take a fast, deep breath, as in a bad attack, in weak old age, or in a small child
You taste or feel nothing reaching the throat and the capsule stays full

Tell the doctor. A puffer with a spacer does not need a hard breath. Keep one for attacks.

Questions about this sheet? Call Caspian Healthcare reception on +91 89193 41154. A doctor is on duty at all hours for problems that are not critical. Caspian has no emergency department: in an emergency call 108.

Where this comes from

Prepared by Caspian Healthcare from the sources above. Last reviewed October 2026. General information: your own doctor's written instructions come first.