How Do You Put Medication in a Nebulizer? A Comprehensive Guide

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects roughly 11% of the Medicare population, with many relying on nebulizers for treatment [1.7.2]. Learning how do you put medication in a nebulizer correctly is crucial for effective therapy for conditions like COPD and asthma [1.8.1].

Quick Summary

Correctly administering medication via a nebulizer involves washing hands, preparing the medicine, assembling the device, and breathing the mist until the cup is empty. Proper cleaning and maintenance are vital for safety and effectiveness.

Key Points

Always Wash Hands: Start by washing hands with soap and water to prevent contamination [1.2.3].
Use Prescribed Medication Only: Only use unexpired medication prescribed by your doctor; never use tap water [1.2.4, 1.9.1].
Assemble Correctly: Connect the tubing to the compressor, pour medication into the cup, and attach the mouthpiece/mask securely [1.2.2].
Breathe Normally: Sit upright and breathe normally until all the medication is gone and the mist stops, which takes 5-20 minutes [1.2.3, 1.2.4].
Clean After Every Use: Rinse the cup and mouthpiece/mask with warm water and let air dry after each treatment [1.5.4].
Disinfect Regularly: Disinfect parts daily or weekly according to manufacturer instructions to prevent infections [1.5.2].
Replace Parts on Schedule: Replace reusable nebulizer sets every 6 months and filters as needed to ensure effectiveness [1.10.1].

Understanding Your Nebulizer

A nebulizer is a medical device that converts liquid medication into a fine mist, allowing it to be inhaled directly into the lungs [1.8.3]. This method is essential for managing respiratory conditions like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and other breathing difficulties [1.8.2]. Unlike inhalers, which require coordination of breath, nebulizers deliver medication during normal breathing over a period of 5 to 20 minutes, making them ideal for young children, the elderly, or anyone who has trouble with inhalers [1.2.3, 1.8.2]. You must have a prescription from a healthcare provider to obtain a nebulizer and the medications for it [1.2.3].

Types of Nebulizers

There are three main types of nebulizers, each with its own mechanism, advantages, and disadvantages [1.3.3]. Choosing the right one depends on factors like the medication prescribed, portability needs, noise level, and cost [1.3.2].


Feature	Jet Nebulizer	Ultrasonic Nebulizer	Mesh Nebulizer
Mechanism	Uses compressed air to aerosolize medication [1.3.3].	Uses high-frequency vibrations to create a mist [1.3.4].	Pushes liquid through a fine, vibrating mesh [1.3.4].
Portability	Typically larger, requires a power outlet [1.3.2].	Quieter and more portable than jet nebulizers [1.3.4].	Smallest and most portable, often battery-powered [1.3.4].
Noise Level	Can be loud [1.3.3].	Quieter than jet models [1.3.3].	Virtually silent [1.3.2].
Medication Compatibility	Versatile, works with most liquid medications [1.3.2].	Not suitable for all medications, especially suspensions or viscous solutions [1.3.2].	Can be used with a broader range of medications than ultrasonic types, but can clog with thick solutions [1.3.2, 1.3.4].
Treatment Time	8-20 minutes [1.3.5].	Typically faster than jet nebulizers (approx. 6 mins) [1.3.5].	Fastest delivery time [1.3.2].
Maintenance	Durable and straightforward to clean [1.3.2].	Requires regular cleaning as residue can accumulate [1.3.2].	Requires meticulous cleaning to prevent clogging of the delicate mesh [1.3.2].

Step-by-Step: How Do You Put Medication in a Nebulizer?

Following a consistent process is key to ensuring you receive the full, effective dose of your medication. Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for your device [1.2.3].

1. Preparation

Wash Your Hands: Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent germs from contaminating the equipment and your lungs [1.2.3, 1.2.4].
Gather Your Equipment: Place the nebulizer compressor on a flat, stable surface. Ensure you have all the parts: the compressor, tubing, medicine cup, and a mouthpiece or mask [1.2.4].
Check the Medication: Before opening, verify you have the correct medication and check the expiration date. Do not use expired medicine or any that appears discolored or smells unusual [1.2.4].

2. Assembling and Filling

Connect the Tubing: Attach one end of the tubing to the air outlet on the compressor [1.2.2].
Add the Medication: Open the medicine cup. If using a unit-dose vial, twist off the top and pour the entire contents into the cup. If drawing from a multi-dose bottle, use a clean dropper or syringe to measure the prescribed amount. Close the medicine cup tightly to prevent spills [1.2.3, 1.2.4].
Assemble the Mouthpiece: Screw the top part of the nebulizer cup back on securely. Attach the mouthpiece or mask to the top of the cup [1.2.2].
Connect to the Cup: Attach the other end of the air tubing to the bottom of the medicine cup [1.2.2].

3. Taking the Treatment

Position Yourself: Sit upright in a comfortable, relaxed position. This helps maximize lung capacity [1.2.4].
Turn On the Compressor: Plug in and turn on the machine. You should see a fine mist coming from the mouthpiece or mask [1.2.1].
Inhale the Medication: If using a mouthpiece, place it between your teeth and seal your lips firmly around it. If using a mask, ensure it fits snugly over your nose and mouth [1.2.3].
Breathe Normally: Breathe slowly and normally through your mouth until all the medication is gone [1.2.3, 1.2.4]. This typically takes between 5 and 20 minutes [1.2.3]. Occasionally tapping the side of the cup can help ensure all the liquid is nebulized [1.11.4].
Complete the Treatment: The treatment is finished when the cup is empty and the nebulizer begins to make a sputtering sound, indicating no more mist is being produced [1.2.1, 1.11.4]. Turn off the machine and unplug it [1.2.2].

Cleaning and Maintenance: A Critical Step

Proper cleaning is vital to prevent bacterial growth and lung infections [1.5.3].

After Every Use:

Disassemble the nebulizer parts (mouthpiece/mask and cup). Do not wash the tubing [1.5.4].
Rinse the parts with warm water [1.6.4].
Shake off excess water and let them air dry completely on a clean towel [1.5.4].

Daily/Weekly Disinfection:

At the end of each day or once a week, wash the parts in warm, soapy water [1.2.2, 1.5.4].
Disinfect the parts according to the manufacturer's instructions. Common methods include soaking in a vinegar/water solution, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or 3% hydrogen peroxide [1.5.2, 1.5.5]. Some reusable parts can be boiled for 5-10 minutes [1.2.2, 1.5.5].
Rinse thoroughly after disinfecting (use sterile water if using a cold method) and allow to air dry [1.5.5].
Wipe the outside of the compressor with a damp cloth [1.2.2]. Check the compressor's filter monthly and replace it if it looks dirty or discolored, or typically every 6 months [1.5.2, 1.6.4].

Replacing Parts

To ensure effective treatment, parts must be replaced regularly as they can degrade over time [1.10.1].

Disposable Nebulizer Kits: Replace after 5-10 treatments [1.10.4].
Reusable Nebulizer Kits (Cup, Mask/Mouthpiece, Tubing): Replace every 6 months [1.10.1, 1.10.4].
Compressor Filter: Replace every 6 months or when it appears dirty [1.10.1].
Nebulizer Machine: Replace every 3 years or as recommended by the manufacturer [1.10.1].

Conclusion

Properly using and maintaining your nebulizer is just as important as the medication itself. By following these steps—from handwashing and correct assembly to thorough cleaning and timely parts replacement—you ensure that you receive the maximum therapeutic benefit for your respiratory condition safely and effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about your device or medication [1.5.4].

For more information on using your nebulizer, you can visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guide. [1.5.4]

Frequently Asked Questions

Common nebulizer medications include bronchodilators like Albuterol and Levalbuterol, and corticosteroids such as Budesonide and Fluticasone. Saline solutions and antibiotics may also be prescribed [1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.4.5].

No, you should not use tap or distilled water. Using anything other than prescribed medication or sterile saline solution can irritate the lungs and be harmful [1.9.1, 1.9.3].

The treatment is complete when no more liquid is visible in the medication cup and the device starts making a sputtering sound, indicating it is no longer producing mist [1.2.1, 1.11.4].

First, check that the compressor is plugged in and turned on. Ensure all tubing is securely connected and not kinked. A common cause is a clogged nozzle, which may need cleaning according to the manufacturer's instructions [1.6.1, 1.6.2].

For reusable nebulizer sets, the mask, mouthpiece, cup, and tubing should generally be replaced every six months. Disposable masks should be discarded after about 5-7 uses [1.10.1, 1.10.2].

You should never mix medications unless specifically instructed to do so by your physician or pharmacist. Mixing incompatible drugs can affect their efficacy and safety [1.11.3, 1.11.4]. Some combinations, like Budesonide and Salbutamol, are known to be compatible if mixed immediately before use [1.11.1].

Nebulizers and inhalers are both effective, but they serve different needs. Nebulizers are often easier for people who have difficulty coordinating their breath, such as young children or during a severe asthma attack [1.8.3]. Inhalers are more portable and deliver medication faster [1.8.3].