A dispensing apparatus (for delivering metered doses from a pressurized dispensing container) having a housing receiving the container and a dose counter with dose indication element. The dose counter has an indexing mechanism advancing the indication element on container actuation. The dispensing apparatus has an indexing member moving within the housing in sync with the container wherein on actuation of the container in a normal mode of operation the indexing member interfaces with the indexing mechanism to apply a force to the indexing mechanism to incrementally advance the indication element. The indexing member and mechanism are configured to cooperate with one another, upon the input of a force in a second mode, such that the indexing mechanism transmits a force to the indexing member sufficient to generate a relative displacing movement between the indexing member and mechanism without incurring incremental advancement of the indication element.