MDI
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Metered-dose inhaler |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical |
MDI has two meanings. It stands for Metered-dose inhaler (pharmacy) or Multiple daily injections (endocrinology & diabetes).
Meanings of MDI at a glance
| # | MDI stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metered-dose inhaler | Medical › Pharmacy |
| 2 | Multiple daily injections | Medical › Endocrinology & Diabetes |
1. Metered-dose inhaler
Medical · Pharmacy Abbreviations
Handheld pressurized canister that releases a fixed dose of medicine as an aerosol each time it is pressed. Rescue and maintenance asthma and COPD drugs such as albuterol, fluticasone and budesonide-formoterol are delivered by MDI.
Example: Albuterol MDI with spacer, 4 puffs q20min x 3 for acute wheeze.
Good technique requires coordinating the press with a slow, deep breath; a spacer or valved holding chamber removes that need and reduces mouth deposition of steroids. Most MDIs must be primed when new or unused for several days. In diabetes care MDI also means multiple daily injections of insulin.
2. Multiple daily injections
Medical · Endocrinology & Diabetes Abbreviations
Insulin regimen using a long-acting basal injection once or twice daily plus rapid-acting injections at meals and for corrections, usually at least three or four injections a day. It is the main alternative to insulin pump therapy in type 1 diabetes.
Example: T1DM on MDI: glargine 22 units at bedtime, lispro 1 unit per 12 g carbs.
In respiratory medicine MDI usually means metered-dose inhaler, a far more common use, so diabetes notes rely on context such as insulin names. Smart insulin pens that record doses and connect to apps narrow the gap with pumps. Pronounced as letters.
Related abbreviations
More pharmacy abbreviations
- LR – Lactated Ringer's solution
- LVP – Large-volume parenteral
- MAC – Maximum allowable cost
- MAR – Medication administration record
- MDV – Multiple-dose vial
- med rec – Medication reconciliation
- MPJE – Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination
- MR – Modified release
See all 134 pharmacy abbreviations →
More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations
- IR – Insulin resistance
- ISF – Insulin sensitivity factor
- LADA – Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults
- LH – Luteinizing hormone
- MEN – Multiple endocrine neoplasia
- MetS – Metabolic syndrome
- MNG – Multinodular goiter
- MODY – Maturity-onset diabetes of the young
See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.