dornase alfa

dornase alfa /dor·nase al·fa/ (dor´naz 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

(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.