Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What is nebulised Pulmozyme®?
Nebulisers turn medications into fine mists so they can be easily inhaled into the lungs.
This medication can help break up and thin down the mucus that is in your lungs to make it easier for you to clear.
How do I take this medication?
It is best to have this treatment 30 – 60 minutes before your physiotherapy airway clearance exercises to help loosen the mucus on your chest.
How do I store this medication?
Store in original packaging a refrigerator (2-8oC).
A ampoule can be stored up to 30oC for up to 24 hours if necessary.
Equipment you need is:
- 1 ampoule of Pulmozyme®
- Use either of the nebuliser machines and handset listed below;
- Conventional compressor with aeroeclipse
- eFlow®rapid with a regular eFlow®rapid handset
Instructions
Please note: medication should be nebulised in a well-ventilated room with no other people or pets present.
- Wash your hands
- Gather all the equipment
- Check the expiry dates of the Pulmozyme® to make sure they are in date
- Twist the cap off the Pulmozyme®
- Squeeze the medication in the nebuliser handset
- Turn on the compressor and nebulise the medication as directed
- Once the nebuliser is finished, wash your hands and rinse your month, gargle and spit out the water
Cleaning and replacing the equipment
Once you have finished using the nebuliser, switch off and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
The nebuliser handset needs cleaning after every use and sterilising weekly. We recommend cleaning by rinsing in soapy water and sterilising in boiling water for five minutes.
Please refer to the manufacturers guidance for further cleaning advice.
Replacement
- Aeroeclipse should be replaced every 6 months
- eFlow®rapid handset should be replaced every year, and the metal aerosol head every 6 months
Side Effects
Sometimes Pulmozyme® can lead to unwanted side effects, although these are rare, such as:
- Changes to voice (hoarseness)
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Laryngitis
- Rhinitis
- Indigestion
- Rash
Using a bronchodilator beforehand can help with some of these side effects.
If you experience any of these, please stop taking the medication and contact your healthcare professional.
Action if missed dose
If you remember with 6 hours or more before your next dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible and resume your usual routine. Otherwise wait for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose.
Cautions and contraindications
Please discuss with your healthcare professional if:
- You or your partner are pregnant, breastfeeding or plan on starting a family.
- You are going to start any new medication not prescribed by your healthcare professional.
How do I dispose of this medication?
Please dispose of unused medication via your local community pharmacy
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Physiotherapy service.
About this information
Service:
Physiotherapy
Reference:
BB/011
Approval date:
15 September 2026
Review date:
1 September 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.