Mechanism
How Dornase Alfa works
Recombinant human DNase that cleaves extracellular DNA in airway secretions, reducing mucus viscosity and improving secretion clearance.
← Respiratory Pharmacology
MUCNBRC High Yield5/5 Importance
Dornase Alfa Respiratory Pharmacology Guide
Class, mechanism, indications, adverse effects, kinetics, exam traps, and NBRC-style study pearls.
Dornase alfa is a recombinant DNase used mainly in cystic fibrosis. It cleaves extracellular DNA from inflammatory cells within airway secretions, reducing mucus viscosity and improving clearance. For NBRC-style questions, distinguish dornase alfa from N-acetylcysteine: dornase breaks DNA, while NAC breaks disulfide bonds.
Clinical Pearl
What to remember
The classic distinction: NAC breaks disulfide bonds; dornase alfa breaks extracellular DNA in CF secretions.
Kinetics
Onset, peak, and duration
1
Onset
Days to weeks
2
Peak
Variable
3
Duration
Maintenance therapy
Quick facts
- Subclass
- Mucolytic / DNase
- NBRC importance
- 5/5
- Difficulty
- 3/5
- Brands
- Pulmozyme
Common indications
- Cystic fibrosis with thick secretions
- Airway secretion clearance in CF
- Reduction of pulmonary exacerbation risk in CF
Adverse effects
- Voice alteration
- Hoarseness
- Pharyngitis
- Laryngitis
- Rash
- Chest discomfort
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to dornase alfa or formulation components
Cautions and safety issues
- Primarily used in cystic fibrosis
- Do not mix with other nebulized medications in the same nebulizer cup unless specifically directed
NBRC-style question
NBRC-style pharmacology review
A patient scenario involves cystic fibrosis patient with thick secretions. Which medication concept should the respiratory therapy student recognize?
High-yield answer
Dornase = DNase for CF
Interactive practice
Practice in PharmaGenius
Master this medication through adaptive review of class, mechanism, indications, adverse effects, exam traps, and clinical scenarios. Missed concepts can later be surfaced for targeted remediation.
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Common Exam Traps
These are the answer choices, mechanisms, or medication classes most commonly confused with this medication on RT school and NBRC-style exams.
- Breaks disulfide bonds
- Beta-2 agonist
- Muscarinic antagonist
- Inhaled corticosteroid
- Pulmonary vasodilator
High-Yield Clinical Scenarios
- Cystic fibrosis patient with thick secretions
- Question comparing NAC versus dornase alfa
- Airway clearance therapy in CF
Related study paths
Continue building pharmacology mastery
Use this medication page as a reference, then reinforce it with interactive practice and related PulmTools study resources.