Inhalers with extendable/retractable forward member and associated methods of dispensing inhalant substances

Dry powder inhalers for dispensing pharmaceutical grade formulations of inhalable dry powder include: an inhaler housing having a mouthpiece associated therewith; and a slidably extendable forward member that is movable between retracted and extended positions, held by the inhaler housing adjacent the mouthpiece. In the extended position, the forward member extends outward a distance beyond a forwardmost portion of the mouthpiece, and in the retracted position, a forwardmost portion of the forward member is positioned rearward of the forwardmost portion of the mouthpiece with an access portion of the mouthpiece accessible by a user.