dornase alfa at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant human DNase; a mucus-thinning respiratory treatment.
Licensed role
Improving pulmonary function in eligible people with cystic fibrosis aged over 5 years.
How it is given
Inhaled from a single-use ampoule through a recommended nebuliser.
Important handling
Do not dilute or mix it with other medicines in the nebuliser chamber.
What is dornase alfa used for?
Uses include:
Licensed: management of cystic fibrosis in people over 5 years old with forced vital capacity above 40% predicted, to improve pulmonary function.
Non-licensed: specialist intrapleural enzyme treatment may be considered in selected adults with pleural infection. This hospital use differs from inhaled cystic fibrosis treatment.
How does dornase alfa work?
Dornase alfa cuts extracellular DNA released by degenerating white blood cells into smaller fragments. This reduces the thickness and elasticity of cystic fibrosis mucus so it can be cleared more readily.
How to take dornase alfa
Use dornase alfa exactly as directed by the cystic fibrosis team and with a recommended nebuliser.
Wash your hands and check that the solution is clear and not discoloured.
Open the single-use ampoule immediately before use and place its contents in the nebuliser chamber.
Inhale through the mouthpiece as instructed for the device.
Do not dilute or mix the solution with another medicine in the nebuliser.
Continue prescribed chest physiotherapy and other cystic fibrosis care.
Clean and maintain the nebuliser according to its manufacturer's instructions.
dornase alfa side effects
Common or expected effects
- No adverse reactions are classified as common; reactions attributed to dornase alfa are rare.
- Sputum production may increase and lung function may temporarily worsen when treatment starts.
Get urgent medical advice
- Seek prompt assessment for new or marked difficulty breathing or significant chest pain.
- Get emergency help for breathing or swallowing difficulty with hives or swelling, which may indicate a severe allergic reaction.
dornase alfa in pregnancy
Safety in human pregnancy has not been established, although animal studies have not indicated reproductive harm. A cystic fibrosis specialist or prescriber should assess the benefits and uncertainties before use during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.
dornase alfa while breastfeeding
Systemic absorption after inhalation is minimal, so measurable amounts in breast milk are not expected. The product information nevertheless advises caution and discussion with the specialist or prescriber.
dornase alfa interactions
No harmful medicine interactions are specifically identified, but nebuliser compatibility matters.
Standard cystic fibrosis treatments
Antibiotics, bronchodilators, pancreatic enzymes, vitamins, corticosteroids and analgesics may be continued when clinically appropriate.
Other nebulised medicines or solutions
Do not mix them with dornase alfa in the nebuliser chamber because mixing may alter either product.
Common questions about dornase alfa
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is dornase alfa used for in cystic fibrosis?
It is inhaled to reduce airway mucus thickness and improve pulmonary function in eligible people with cystic fibrosis.
How does dornase alfa thin mucus?
It cuts extracellular DNA released by degenerating white blood cells, making cystic fibrosis sputum less sticky.
Does dornase alfa cure cystic fibrosis?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.