FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

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What type of medication is DORNASE-ALFA?

  1. A bronchodilator

  2. A mucolytic agent

  3. An antibiotic

  4. A corticosteroid

The correct answer is: A mucolytic agent

DORNASE-ALFA is classified as a mucolytic agent. This medication works by breaking down the DNA in the thick, sticky mucus that accumulates in the lungs, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. By cleaving the extracellular DNA, DORNASE-ALFA decreases the viscosity of the mucus, promoting easier clearance from the respiratory tract and improving lung function. While bronchodilators are used to widen air passages in the lungs, antibiotics target bacterial infections, and corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents, DORNASE-ALFA specifically functions to thin mucus, thus facilitating better airflow and helping to prevent lung infections associated with retained secretions. This distinction highlights the unique role of mucolytic agents in managing conditions characterized by excessive mucus production.