Hyaluronidase

A to Z Drug Facts

 Action Hydrolyzes hyaluronic acid to temporarily decrease viscosity of cellular cement and promote diffusion of injected fluids, localized transudates or exudates, thus facilitating their absorption.

 Indications Adjuvant treatment to increase absorption and dispersion of other injected drugs; hypodermolysis; adjunct in SC urography for improving resorption of radiopaque agents. Adjunct therapy when IV administration cannot be accomplished, particularly in infants and small children.

 Contraindications Injection into or around infected or acutely inflamed area; injection into area known or suspected to be cancerous.

 Route/Dosage

ADULTS: SC/IM/Intradermal 150 U. Drug is added to injection solutions or injected SC. CHILDREN < 3 YR: Limit volume of single clysis to 200 ml. PREMATURE INFANTS OR NEONATES: Do not exceed 25 ml/kg/day. Rate should not exceed 2 ml/min.

 Interactions

Local anesthesia: Hastens onset of analgesia and tends to reduce swelling caused by local infiltration. Under spread of local anesthetic, solution increases absorption of drug, which shortens duration of action of drug and tends to increase incidence of systemic reaction. INCOMPATIBILITIES: Do not add to solution containing another drug without consulting appropriate references for chemical or physical incompatibilities.

 Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

 Adverse Reactions

CV: Cardiac fibrillation. DERM: Hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria and anaphylactic-like reactions.

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Drug may be added to small volumes of solution (up to 200 ml) such as small clysis for infants or solutions of drugs for SC injection.

 Administration/Storage

• Perform preliminary intradermal skin test for hypersensitivity.
• Reconstitute 150 U and 1500 U vial with 1 and 10 ml, respectively, of 0.9% Sodium Chloride for Injection to yield 150 U/ml.
• Store unconstituted powder in dry place.
• Keep reconstituted solution refrigerated. Discard after 24 hr.

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies (including thiomensol).
• Check for compatibility and interactions before adding drug to solution containing another drug.
• If itching, rash, hives, or difficulty in breathing occur, discontinue drug and notify health care provider.

 Patient/Family Education

• Instruct patient to report these symptoms to health care provider: Pain at injection site, itching, difficulty in breathing or dizziness.

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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts