A medication holder is disclosed comprising a housing (10) having an outer
wall (12) and an inner wall (11) preferably in sleeved relationship to
each other. The outer wall may be moved between a closed position in
which the housing (10) is sealed for ingress of moisture or other
contaminants and an open position providing access to the medication
container discharge outlet. The second wall may (12) be slid
longitudinally or rotated circumferentially to access the cavity and may,
in the process, open an air pathway through the cavity. The medication
container is preferably a pressurized canister (22). Alternatively, it
may comprise a frangible vial (603) with a volatile liquid. In the latter
case, an evaporation grid (563) may also be supplied to enhance
absorption of the liquid which is preferably methoxyfluorane. Opening
means (561) may be provided to open the frangible vial and discharge the
contents onto the evaporation means (563) which is in fluid contact with
the air pathway (806). A medication chute (26) may be rotatable between
stowed and deployed positions. The chute (26) may include an auxiliary
air inlet (556). The medication holder may also include one-way valves
(605) to channel inspiratory air through the chamber and direct
expiratory air elsewhere. The expiratory air may pass through
unidirectional valve (810) and also through an absorbent filter (805) to
minimize environmental contamination.