The invention relates to a counter (6) for a handheld device (1) for dispensing a pharmaceutical substance in particular an inhalation medication and to a handheld device relating to the counter comprising at least one counter wheel (20) which has legible characters. The counter wheel (20) can be rotated about a (first) rotational axis (14) and a drive part (10) is provided for the counter wheel (20) in order to rotate the counter wheel (20) said drive part (10) having a shaped engagement section for interacting with the counter wheel (20). Furthermore an acting part (49) is provided which can likewise be displaced relative to the counter wheel (20) in the direction of extension of the rotational axis (14) against a spring force. The aim of the invention is to achieve a counter with an advantageous design with respect to the drive part and the handheld device. In the case of the drive part this is achieved in that the acting part (49) is rotated and is connected to the drive part (10) so as to rotate together with the drive part. In the case of the handheld device this is achieved in that the counter (6) has a base part (7) which can form a part of the housing (2) and can be inserted into the housing wherein the base part (7) at least partly overlaps the substance container in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the substance container (3) and the base part has a stationary (first) rotational axis for the counter wheel (6) said drive part (10) preferably being guided in the rotational axis as well. The drive part (190) is located on the side of the substance container (3) with respect to the counter wheel (20).
