Mucolytic — Cystic Fibrosis

Dornase Alfa (rhDNase)

Brand names: Pulmozyme

Dornase alfa is a recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase) given by nebulisation as a mucolytic in cystic fibrosis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It cleaves extracellular DNA released from degenerating neutrophils in purulent airway secretions, reducing sputum viscosity and improving mucus clearance.

Prescribing in practice

It is administered by jet nebuliser and must not be diluted or mixed with other nebuliser solutions.
Benefit is assessed over a sustained trial period as response in lung function and exacerbation frequency develops gradually.
Voice alteration, pharyngitis and conjunctivitis are recognised and usually transient adverse effects.

Monitoring

Monitor lung function and exacerbation frequency to assess ongoing benefit.

Counselling the patient

Use only with a recommended nebuliser device and do not mix it with other solutions in the chamber.
Store in the refrigerator and protect from light.
A temporary change in voice or sore throat may occur and usually settles.

Evidence & guidelines

Dornase alfa is established in cystic fibrosis management, with trials demonstrating improved lung function and reduced respiratory exacerbations.

Reference: Fuchs et al. NEJM 1994 (dornase alfa in CF); NICE TA117; SPC Pulmozyme; CF Trust Standards of Care; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways