dornase alfa

dornase alfa /dor·nase al·fa/ (dor´nāz al´fah) recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) used to reduce the viscosity of sputum in cystic fibrosis.

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dor·nase al·fa (dôrns lf, -nz)

n.

A genetically engineered enzyme used to hydrolyze the DNA in bronchial mucus, facilitating its expectoration, in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

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dornase alfa

[dôr′nās]

a natural enzyme that depolymerizes DNA molecules. Because as much as 70% of the solid matter of purulent material consists of viscous DNA derived from the nuclei of neutrophils, dornase is used in respiratory therapy of disease such as cystic fibrosis to help break down purulent secretions in the airways. Dornase is produced with recombinant DNA technology in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

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dornase alfa

(dor´nās al´f),
n brand name: Pulmozyme;
drug class: recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (DNase);
action: reduces sputum viscosity;
uses: cystic fibrosis; reduces incidence of pulmonary infection, improves pulmonary function.

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dornase alfa

Pulmozyme

Pharmacologic class: Recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I

Therapeutic class: Cystic fibrosis agent, mucolytic enzyme, respiratory inhalant

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Selectively cleaves to DNA in sputum, decreasing viscosity of pulmonary secretions

Availability

Inhalation solution: 2.5-mg ampule (1 mg/ml)

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ To reduce respiratory tract infections and improve pulmonary function

Adults and children older than age 5: One ampule (2.5 mg) inhaled once daily

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug, its components, or products derived from Chinese hamster ovary cells
• Status asthmaticus
• Respiratory tract infection

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• nonasthmatic bronchial disease, asthma controlled by bronchodilators
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Administration

• Don't shake or dilute drug.
• Use only with approved nebulizer.
• Discard cloudy or discolored solution.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
Inhalation	3-7 days	9 days	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CV: chest pain

EENT: conjunctivitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, hemoptysis, voice changes

Respiratory: dyspnea, increased sputum, wheezing

Skin: rash, urticaria, pruritus

Other: hypersensitivity reactions

Interactions

None known

Patient monitoring

• Assess patient periodically. Report improvement in dyspnea and sputum clearance.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction.

Patient teaching

• Teach patient how to use nebulizer.
• Instruct patient to report rash, hives, and itching.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions mentioned above.