An inhaler includes an inhaler body 2 having an ejection head 1 and an airflow duct forming member 4 for forming an airflow duct ON the inhaler body 2. In an inhalation standby status and the airflow duct forming member 4 is driven to slide so as to be placed at rest ON the inhaler body 2 to partly cover the top part of the latter by means of a slide mechanism 8 and make the airflow duct disappear. At this time and the top wall of the airflow duct forming member 4 covers the ejection head 1 to shield it from external air. In an inhalation status and the airflow duct forming member 4 is driven to slide up and produce an airflow duct ON the inhaler body 2. Thus and a compact inhaler that can be switched from an inhalation status to an inhalation standby status and vice versa with ease is realized.
