Dornase Alfa

Drug #1445

Dornase Alfa is an enzyme, acts as a mucolytic, used through inhalation to assist the clearance of bronchial secretions in patients with cystic fibrosis. Chemically, Dornase Alfa is recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rh-DNase) produced by genetic engeering. It acts as a mucolytichydrolyzes extracellular DNA that has accumulatedin sputum from decaying neutrophils. The exact mechanism of hydrolysis is unknown, but by cleaving extracellular DNA, it decreases the viscosity of the sputum which then improves mucociliary clearance of sputum. It also reduces the incidence of recurrent bacterial infections. Clinical trials report that patients given it have an increase in general perception of well-being and a decreased perception of dyspnea, frequency of cough and chest congestion. It was approved for use by the FDA in December 1993.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to Protein.

Molecular Weight: 29300 · Non-proprietary name: Dornase Alfa.

Pharmacokinetics

None recorded.

Indications

Dornase Alfa is primarily indicated in conditions like Cystic fibrosis, Duodenal ulcer associated with h. Pylori, Reversal of non-depolarising neuromuscular blockade.

Dornase Alfa is also indicated for secondary conditions like Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Contraindications

None recorded.

Dosage

Dornase Alfa's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
2500 mg	2500 mg	Every 24h	Inh	1 or over 21 years may benefit forms twice daily dosage. By inhalation of nebulised solution (by jet nebulised)
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
2.5 mg	2.5 mg	Every 24h	Inh	1 or over 21 years may benefit forms twice daily dosage. Child over 5year by inhalation of nebulised
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

Dornase Alfa is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Chest pain, Conjunctivitis, dyspepsia, Dyspnea, Laryngitis, Pharyngitis, Rhinitis , Skin RashX, Urticaria, Voice alteration.

Warnings / Precautions

Dornase alfa should be used in conjunction with standard cystic fibrosis therapies. It should be used with caution in breast-feeding women. It is classified as pregnancy category B. Adequate studies in humans have not been conducted, so dornase alfa should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. The safe and effective use of dornase alfa in children less than 5 years of age has not be studied. Mucolytics should be used with cuation in those with a history of peptic ulceration becouse they may disrupt the gastric mucused berrier.

Interference in Pathology

Dornase Alfa may interfere in the diagnosis of Not well documented.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Dornase Alfa should be stored Inhalation Soln.

Drug Classification

1.25.2.2 — Expectorants