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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM › COUGH AND COLD PREPARATIONS › EXPECTORANTS, EXCL. COMBINATIONS WITH COUGH SUPPRESSANTS › Mucolytics
dornase alfa (desoxyribonuclease)
R05CB13
Forms & Strengths
- Inhalation solution: 2.5 mg / 2.5 mL in single-use ampules
Adult Dosing
- Cystic fibrosis: 2.5 mg (one ampule) inhaled once daily via a recommended jet nebulizer
- Some patients may benefit from 2.5 mg twice daily (e.g., age >= 21 years or forced vital capacity > 75%)
Pediatric Dosing
- Cystic fibrosis (children >= 5 years): 2.5 mg inhaled once daily
- Cystic fibrosis (children < 5 years): Safety and efficacy not established, though used off-label in select younger patients
Indications
- Management of cystic fibrosis patients to improve pulmonary function
- Reduction of the frequency of respiratory tract infections requiring parenteral antibiotics in cystic fibrosis
Mechanism of Action
- Recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase) selectively hydrolyzes DNA present in sputum/mucus of cystic fibrosis patients
- Reduces sputum viscoelasticity by breaking down extracellular DNA released by degenerating leukocytes accumulating in infected lung tissue
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to dornase alfa, Chinese hamster ovary cell products, or any component of the formulation
Adverse Reactions
- Pharyngitis
- Voice alteration
- Laryngitis
- Rash
- Chest pain
- Conjunctivitis
- Dyspepsia
- Urticaria
Drug Interactions
- No formal drug interaction studies have been performed
- Can be used concomitantly with standard cystic fibrosis therapies (antibiotics, bronchodilators, pancreatic enzymes, corticosteroids) without clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use