Dornase Alpha
Brand names
Usage
To make breathing easier and
help prevent lung infections
in patients with cystic fibrosis.
It is used in conjunction with
other cystic fibrosis medicaments,
such as antibiotics, bronchodilators,
and anti-inflammatory agents.
How it works
The mucus in the lungs of
people with cystic fibrosis
contains large amounts of
DNA; this makes the mucus
much thicker than normal.
Dornase alpha breaks down the
DNA, making the mucus less
sticky and easier to cough up.
Side effects
- Serious
- Chest pain.
- Common
- Sore throat, voice changes, such as
hoarseness.
- Less common
- Skin rash, redness,
itching, swelling,
pain, or other symptoms of eye irritation.
Possible interactions
- Other medicaments:
- Clinical studies have revealed that dornase is compatible with medicines
typically used to manage cystic fibrosis. Specific medicament interactions are not
documented.
- Herbal medicines or minerals:
- Some herbals such as anise seed and
fennel oil
have German commission E monograph indications for catarrh or upper
respiratory tract difficulties, but since no studies have been performed with
this medicine, they cannot be recommended.
Continued enzyme and nutritional support is still needed.
- Alcohol:
- Follow your doctor's advice relative to alcohol use.
- Discontinuation:
- This medicament's benefits stop soon after its regular use is stopped.
It must be continued indefinitely to maintain benefit.
- Special storage instructions:
- This medicament should be stored at 36-46 degrees F and
should be protected from light. Unused ampules should be stored in their
protective pouch in the refrigerator.
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