The straightforward answer to whether you can use someone else’s inhaler is no. Prescription inhalers are medical devices containing powerful medications tailored specifically to an individual’s health status and treatment plan. Attempting to use a friend’s or family member’s inhaler presents serious issues, including immediate health risks from contamination, the danger of using the wrong type of drug, and potential legal complications. The reasons against sharing extend beyond simple courtesy, touching upon infection control, pharmaceutical safety, and legal statutes.
Primary Safety Risks of Sharing Inhalers
Sharing an inhaler introduces a significant risk of physical cross-contamination, as the device’s mouthpiece comes into direct contact with the user’s mouth and saliva. This creates a direct pathway for the transmission of various infectious agents between individuals. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can easily be transferred upon contact with the mouthpiece. Since the inhaler is designed to deliver medication deep into the lungs, any contaminants on the device are effectively delivered into the lower respiratory system.
This cross-contamination is a concern even for common illnesses like the cold, flu, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While hospitals have strict protocols for potentially sharing metered-dose inhaler (MDI) canisters with new, patient-specific mouthpieces, the uncontrolled sharing of a complete personal inhaler is not safe. The risk is magnified if either person is immunocompromised or has an active, undiagnosed respiratory infection, turning the inhaler into a vector for disease transmission.
Clinical Dangers of Mismatched Prescriptions
The most significant danger of sharing involves the pharmaceutical mismatch between the drug in the inhaler and the needs of the person experiencing a respiratory event. Inhalers contain different classes of medication, primarily divided into rescue and maintenance treatments. A rescue inhaler, such as one containing albuterol, is a short-acting bronchodilator designed to rapidly open airways during an acute attack.
Conversely, a maintenance inhaler typically contains a steroid or a long-acting bronchodilator taken daily to manage chronic conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using a maintenance inhaler during a sudden asthma attack will not provide the necessary immediate relief because the medication is designed for gradual, long-term effect. This delay in appropriate treatment can escalate a breathing issue into a severe medical emergency.
Furthermore, the strength and type of medication are calculated specifically for the prescribed user’s age, weight, diagnosis, and existing medications. Introducing an unprescribed dose or a different drug type carries the risk of unintended side effects, including cardiac issues like a rapid heart rate, or a severe allergic reaction. The specific device type, such as a dry powder inhaler (DPI) versus a pressurized MDI, also requires a different inhalation technique, and improper use results in little to no medication reaching the lungs, providing a false sense of security.
Legal Status and Device Compatibility Issues
Inhalers are classified as prescription medications, and federal and state laws in many jurisdictions prohibit the sharing or distribution of prescription drugs. Sharing a prescription inhaler with someone for whom it was not prescribed is considered illegal distribution, even if the intent is simply to help a friend. This legal restriction exists because a healthcare provider must assess the patient’s condition before authorizing the drug’s use.
Beyond legal constraints, practical device issues also make sharing problematic. Inhalers have expiration dates, after which the medication’s efficacy cannot be guaranteed, meaning an expired inhaler may not deliver the full, intended dose in an emergency. Different types of inhaler devices, such as those for asthma versus those for COPD, require specific inhalation maneuvers and breath-hold times. Errors in technique are common and can significantly reduce the amount of medication that reaches the lungs, which is particularly dangerous during a crisis.
What to Do During a Respiratory Emergency
If you or someone nearby is experiencing a severe respiratory event and no personal, prescribed rescue inhaler is available, the most important action is to call emergency services immediately. A severe asthma attack or COPD exacerbation is a life-threatening situation that requires professional medical intervention. While waiting for help to arrive, try to keep the person calm, as panic can worsen airway constriction and breathing difficulty.
Have the individual sit upright, rather than lying down or bending over, to allow the lungs to expand as fully as possible. Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth to prevent hyperventilation. If the person has an expired rescue inhaler, using it may be a last resort, as a reduced dose is likely better than no medication while awaiting emergency medical personnel. Ultimately, individuals with respiratory conditions should carry their own rescue medication at all times and have an up-to-date asthma action plan.