Dornase Alfa (Dornase Alfa)
Overview of Dornase Alfa
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.
Indication of Dornase Alfa
Dornase Alfa is primarily indicated in conditions like Cystic fibrosis, Duodenal ulcer associated with h. Pylori, Reversal of non-depolarising neuromuscular blockade, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
Contraindication of Dornase Alfa
No data regarding the contra indications of Dornase Alfa is available.
Side Effects of Dornase Alfa
The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Dornase Alfa are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dyspnea, Urticaria, Pharyngitis, Skin RashX, Dyspepsia, Rhinitis, Chest pain, Conjunctivitis, Laryngitis, Voice alteration, dyspepsia.
Precautions of Dornase Alfa
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.