Drug Action
Dornase alfa is a genetically engineered version of a naturally occurring human enzyme which cleaves extracellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
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Drug reference
Dornase alfa is a genetically engineered version of a naturally occurring human enzyme which cleaves extracellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
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Management of cystic fibrosis patients with a forced vital capacity (FVC) of greater than 40% of predicted to improve pulmonary function ▶BY INHALATION OF NEBULISED SOLUTION ▶Adult: 2500 units once daily, administered by jet nebuliser, patients over 21 years may benefit from twice daily dosage DOSE EQUIVALENCE AND CONVERSION ▶Dornase alfa 1000 units is equivalent to 1 mg
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Chest pain. conjunctivitis. dyspepsia. dysphonia. dyspnoea. fever. increased risk of infection. skin reactions
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No evidence of teratogenicity; manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk.
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Amount probably too small to be harmful—manufacturer advises caution.
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Dornase alfa is administered by inhalation using a jet nebuliser, usually once daily at least 1 hour before physiotherapy; however, alternate-day therapy may be as effective as daily treatment. For use undiluted with jet nebulisers only; ultrasonic nebulisers are unsuitable.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Nebuliser liquid ▶Pulmozyme (Roche Products Ltd) Dornase alfa 1 mg per 1 ml Pulmozyme 2.5mg nebuliser liquid 2.5ml ampoules | 30 ampoule P £496.43 DT = £496.43
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2500 units once daily, administered by jet
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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