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Nebulized Dornase Alfa or Pulmozyme HF#4932

Respiratory



 

 

Use of This Medicine

 

Dornase is an enzyme which breaks down protein bonds that cause your respiratory mucus to be thick.  Using Dornase on a regular basis makes it easier for you to cough up phlegm.  Dornase is clear and comes in a sterile, single dose plastic vial.  Keep it in the refrigerator.  Protect it from light in its original package.  If the medicine looks cloudy or discolored, throw it away. 

 

Dosing

 

Each treatment is 2.5 mg one to two times a day by nebulization.  Each vial contains 2.5 mg.  One vial is used for each treatment.  Do not mix Dornase with any other drug or liquid.

 

Side Effects

 

Side effects to report to your doctor right away

  • Trouble breathing
  • Skin rash

 

Side effects that most often do not require medical attention

  • Voice changes
  • Sore throat
  • Laryngitis
  • Chest pain
  • Redness of the eyes

These side effects have sometimes been noted but do go away within a few weeks after the first treatment.  However, if they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

 

The Nebulizer Treatment

 

Dornase comes as a liquid and needs to be made into a mist so it can go deep into your lungs.  Certain equipment must be used to deliver Dornase properly.  The air compressors that can be used to do this are called, Pulmo-Aide, Medimist, Inspiration, or Pari-Proneb.

 

The nebulizers that can used are called Marquest Acorn II disposable, Hudson T Updraft II disposable, Sidestream disposable, Sidestream reusable or PariLC Jet.

 

A Dornase nebulizer must never be used for any other medicine.   Most people have a reusable nebulizer that must be cleaned daily.  Dornase can cause bacterial contamination to the lungs if the nebulizer is not cleaned anddisinfected daily.  Also, if not cleaned properly, Dornase drug left in the nebulizer can form a thick gluey substance and clog up the nebulizer.

 

  1. Place the contents of one vial of Dornase in the nebulizer cup and throw the empty vial away.
  2. Take a slow deep breath and hold your breath for 5 seconds every few breaths.  Holding your breath helps the Dornase deposit in your lungs.
  3. The treatment will last between 6-12 minutes depending on the type of nebulizer and air compressor you use.

 

Cleaning and Disinfecting the Nebulizer

 

Daily cleaning and disinfecting of your TOBI nebulizer is extremely important in preventing infection and keeping the nebulizer working well.

 

Dishwasher Cleaning

 

  1. Take the nebulizer apart.
  2. Place the pieces in a dishwasher basket on the top rack of the dishwasher.
  3. After the dishwasher cycle is done, remove the pieces and shake out the extra water.
  4. Air-dry the nebulizer pieces on a dry paper towel. 

 

Hand Cleaning

 

If you would prefer not to clean and disinfect your nebulizer using the dishwasher, select one of the choices below.

 

Rubbing Alcohol

  • Take the nebulizer apart and wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
  • Rinse with hot tap water.
  • Place the nebulizer pieces in a bowl and add enough rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to completely cover the equipment.
  • Soak the nebulizer for 5 minutes.
  • Rinse all of the parts of the nebulizer with sterile water.  DO NOT USE WATER FROM THE FAUCET, BOTTLED, OR DISTILLED WATER.  You can make water sterile by boiling it for 5 minutes.  Use this water once, and then throw it out.
  • Place the pieces on a paper towel to dry.

 

Microwaving

  • Take the nebulizer apart and wash the pieces in warm soapy water.
  • Rinse with hot water.
  • Place nebulizer pieces in a bowl, add water to cover.
  • Microwave for 5 minutes.
  • Air dry on a clean paper towel.

 

Equipment

 

If you have questions or need more supplies, contact UW Home Health at (608) 203-2273.

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 03/21/2011

Copyright © 03/21/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4932

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