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Hyaluronidase

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring polysaccharide in connective tissue. It is used as an adjunct to facilitate the absorption and dispersion of injected drugs, fluids, and to improve tissue permeability during subcutaneous or intramuscular administration.

Quick summary

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that increases tissue permeability by breaking down hyaluronic acid, used to enhance drug absorption and treat extravasation injuries.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy
BOXED WARNING

This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.

Key facts at a glance

ATC
B06AA03
RxNorm
5464
Generic
Hyaluronidase
Class
atc-b06
Brands
Rituxan Hycela, Herceptin Hylecta, Darzalex Faspro, Phesgo, Vyvgart Hytrulo, Ocrevus Zunovo, Tecentriq Hybreza, Opdivo Qvantig, Rybrevant Faspro, Amphadase, Vitrase, Hylenex
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
—
Forms
injection, prefilled syringe
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)injection
Usual dose
2000 units per injection
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
as needed for subcutaneous drug dispersion
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)injection
Usual dose
75-200 units per injection
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
as needed for subcutaneous drug dispersion
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)injection
Usual dose
2000 units per injection
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
as needed for subcutaneous drug dispersion
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity
Chronic overdose: cumulative toxicity information
Immediate actions
gastric lavage
Antidote
N-acetylcysteine(highly effective if given within 8-24 hours)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

11 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits clearly outweigh risks

Monitor

regular prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh potential risks

Monitor

fetal monitoring in late pregnancy

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

discontinue breastfeeding or express milk for 24 hours after treatment

Monitor

monitor infant for adverse effects

✓

geriatric

elderly
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

use standard dosing, monitor for hypersensitivity reactions

Monitor

standard monitoring

⚠

pediatric_age

pediatrics under 2
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use only under close medical supervision in children under 2 years

Monitor

close monitoring for adverse reactions

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

pediatric_age

pediatrics 2 to 18
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

use standard pediatric dosing under medical supervision

Monitor

standard pediatric monitoring

✓

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

standard dosing may be used

Monitor

standard renal function monitoring

⚠

renal_impairment

severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

monitor renal function closely

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild to moderate
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

standard dosing may be used

Monitor

standard hepatic function monitoring

⚠

hepatic_impairment

severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

monitor hepatic function closely

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:Hyaluronidase enzyme (spreading agent)

Enzyme used to facilitate subcutaneous drug absorption

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Breaks down hyaluronic acid in extracellular matrix

Enzymatic action enabling drug dispersion

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Primary therapeutic use

Value:Adjuvant for subcutaneous biologics administration

Used in combination products to enhance drug absorption

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approved combination products

Value:12 combination products approved

Including Rituxan Hycela, Herceptin HylectA, Darzalex Faspro, Phesgo, Vyvgart Hytrulo, Ocrevus Zunovo, Tecentriq Hybreza, Opdivo Qvantig, Rybrevant Faspro, Amphadase, Vitrase, Hylenex

Used to facilitate subcutaneous infusion of fluids and medications, treat extravasation injuries from IV injections, and as an adjunct in ophthalmic surgery. Also used off-label to improve absorption of subcutaneous injections and infusions.

Hyaluronidase temporarily depolymerizes hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix, increasing tissue permeability and allowing fluids to diffuse more easily through subcutaneous or intramuscular space.

Should not be injected into or around inflamed or infected areas, malignant tumors, or areas with reduced circulation. Allergic reactions are possible. Does not typically affect endogenous hyaluronic acid synthesis. Consult specific product labeling for dosing and administration instructions.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy