How long should a patient wait between puffs of a metered-dose inhaler requiring 2 puffs?

Patients using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) are often required to take multiple puffs in succession for optimal delivery of medication to the lungs. The correct recommendation for waiting between puffs is 1 minute. This interval allows the first dose of medication to disperse effectively within the airway, maximizing its therapeutic effect before administering the second puff.

Between puffs, waiting 1 minute also helps minimize potential side effects that may arise from delivering doses too closely together, such as increased heart rate or nervousness. Additionally, this waiting period may ensure that the medication can act on the airways and facilitate better absorption.

In contrast, shorter wait times, such as 15 seconds or 30 seconds, may not provide sufficient time for the medication to take effect, while longer intervals, like 2 minutes, could unnecessarily prolong the administration process without significant benefit. Thus, 1 minute is the clinically recommended time that balances effectiveness and safety.