Can you mix Pulmozyme and albuterol?
Many medications for chronic airway diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) are inhaled as mists or aerosols to target the lungs directly. In CF, these treatments address thick mucus, muscle spasms, infection, and inflammation. Delivery devices include metered dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers, and ultrasonic or jet nebulizers. Jet nebulizers, powered by an electric compressor, are commonly used for CF medications.
Patients sometimes mix multiple nebulizer solutions in the same cup for convenience. However, ensuring chemical and physical compatibility is important. Compatibility studies generally use preservative‑free formulations to maintain stability and particle size, which are critical for medication effectiveness.
Some inhaled solutions are known to be compatible. For example, the manufacturer of Sultanol Fertiginhalat (albuterol) reports compatibility with ipratropium bromide (Atrovent), cromolyn sodium (Intal), and acetylcysteine (Fluimucil). Always verify compatibility with each medication’s manufacturer, as generic excipients may differ.
Pulmozyme is supplied in 2.5 ml unit‑dose vials containing 2.5 mg of dornase alfa. According to Genentech, it should not be diluted or mixed with other medications to preserve its concentration and stability. You may use the same nebulizer system for multiple treatments, but Pulmozyme must be administered in a specific order:
- After bronchodilators (for example, albuterol or salbutamol) and hypertonic saline
- Before inhaled antibiotics such as tobramycin (TOBI), if prescribed
Below is additional information on Pulmozyme, its side effects, and expected results.
Pulmozyme FAQs
How Does Pulmozyme Work?
The active ingredient, dornase alfa, is a recombinant DNase enzyme. It breaks down extracellular DNA in pulmonary secretions, reducing mucus viscosity so it becomes thinner and easier to clear, improving lung function and helping prevent infections that require intravenous antibiotics.
What Is Pulmozyme Used For?
Pulmozyme is a mucolytic used alongside therapies such as inhaled antibiotics, bronchodilators, and CFTR modulators to improve lung function and reduce infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
How Do You Administer Pulmozyme?
Pulmozyme is provided in single‑dose ampules as a clear inhalation solution. It must be used with a compatible nebulizer and compressor, delivering the medication via mouthpiece or face mask. Treatment duration ranges from 2 to 15 minutes depending on the device. Refer to the Instructions for Use or instructional video for details.
What Is the Usual Dose of Pulmozyme?
The recommended dose for most CF patients is 2.5 mg once daily. Some adults over 21 may benefit from twice‑daily dosing; discuss this option with your healthcare provider.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Pulmozyme?
Common side effects include:
- Change in voice
- Sore throat (pharyngitis)
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Chest pain
- Runny nose (rhinitis)
- Watery eyes
- Rash
- Decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥ 10%
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Indigestion
Rarely, serious allergic reactions may occur. Read all manufacturer and healthcare provider information and report adverse events to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What Drug Interactions Are There with Pulmozyme?
No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified. Still, inform your provider about all prescription medications, over‑the‑counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you use.
What Should You Tell Your Healthcare Provider?
Before using Pulmozyme, let your provider know if you have:
- An allergy to dornase alfa, Chinese hamster ovary cell products, or any other ingredient in Pulmozyme
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed
How Long Can Pulmozyme Be Left Out of the Refrigerator?
Keep vials refrigerated in their foil pouch until use. They may be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Discard any vial left at room temperature beyond 24 hours.
How Long Does It Take Pulmozyme to Work?
Results vary. Clinical trials showed some patients experienced improved breathing within 8 days. Regular lung function tests will help monitor your response.
How Effective Is Pulmozyme?
In studies, once‑daily Pulmozyme reduced the risk of infections requiring IV antibiotics by 27% and improved lung function by 7.9% within the first 8 days and 5.8% over 6 months. Twice‑daily dosing reduced infection risk by 29% and improved lung function by 9.0% at 8 days and 5.6% at 6 months.
What Is the Difference Between Albuterol and Pulmozyme?
Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles to aid mucus clearance and enhance delivery of other inhaled drugs. Pulmozyme is a mucolytic that breaks down DNA in mucus, thinning it for easier coughing and helping prevent infections.
Related Medications
- Sodium chloride (hypertonic saline)
- Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent Nebules)
- Budesonide (Pulmicort Nebules)
- Guaifenesin (Mucinex)