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# Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (human)

## Alpha-1 antitrypsin replacement (augmentation therapy)?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin replacement (augmentation therapy)

Purified human alpha-1 antitrypsin given by vein, for life, to slow emphysema in severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

Also called: Alpha-1 antitrypsin, Alfa1 antitrypsin

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Alpha-1 antitrypsin replacement (augmentation therapy)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/alpha-1-antitrypsin-replacement/)

**Target**
Neutrophil elastase

**Used for**
Lifelong augmentation therapy

**Key effects**
Mild fever · Headache · Nausea

**Monitor**
Lung function and symptoms over time

**ATC**
B02AB02

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

In severe deficiency the liver releases too little working alpha-1 antitrypsin into the blood, and neutrophil elastase released by white blood cells digests the elastic walls of the alveoli. Infusions of purified human alpha-1 antitrypsin raise the level of the protein in blood and lung. The protein traps and inactivates neutrophil elastase, which is meant to slow the loss of lung tissue.

- Deficiency leaves too little alpha-1 antitrypsin in blood and lung
- Neutrophil elastase digests alveolar elastin: emphysema
- Infused protein raises the level and traps the elastase
- Lung damage progresses more slowly

## Indications

- Lifelong augmentation therapy in emphysema due to severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency [α1-antitrypsin deficiency →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/1-antitrypsin-deficiency/)

## Adverse effects

- Mild fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness

## Contraindications

- Not used for the liver disease of the deficiency: it is aimed at emphysema
- Not a substitute for stopping smoking

## Key interactions

**Cigarette smoking**
Smoke damages deficient lungs faster; stopping smoking is essential

## What is monitored

- Lung function and symptoms over time
- Reactions during and after each infusion

## Administration and safety

- Given by intravenous infusion, usually every week or every four weeks
- Infusions continue for life

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Data in pregnancy are limited; use is decided with the specialist.

## Nursing care

- Check vital signs and watch for fever, headache, dizziness or allergic signs during the infusion
- Support stopping smoking and avoiding smoke and dust
- Teach that the therapy slows damage but does not reverse it

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Intravenous infusion only

## Memory aid

Alpha-1 is the lung's bodyguard against Elastase: replace the guard, slow the Emphysema.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which enzyme does infused alpha-1 antitrypsin inhibit?

Neutrophil elastase.

## What is the aim of augmentation therapy?

To raise alpha-1 antitrypsin levels and slow lung damage in emphysema.

## Which single measure matters most in a smoker with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency?

Stopping smoking.

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## Connections

## Related conditions 1

- [α1-antitrypsin deficiency](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/1-antitrypsin-deficiency/)

[← Back to the class: Alpha-1 antitrypsin replacement (augmentation therapy)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/alpha-1-antitrypsin-replacement/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [COPD - Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency | NHLBI, NIH](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency) (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2026); [Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000120.htm) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [SERPINA1 gene: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/serpina1/) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=B02AB02) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/alpha-1-proteinase-inhibitor/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/alpha-1-proteinase-inhibitor/