Indications
This product is a lung surfactant made of phospholipids (natural fatty substances from animal lungs, with surfactant proteins). It is used in newborn intensive care to prevent or treat respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature babies whose lungs do not yet make enough surfactant. It may also be used in some other newborn breathing problems as decided by the neonatologist.
How It Works
Surfactant forms a thin layer on the inside of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs and lowers surface tension, which stops the air sacs from collapsing when the baby breathes out. Premature babies often lack surfactant, so their lungs become stiff and breathing is hard. Giving surfactant into the lungs improves oxygen levels and makes breathing easier, usually within minutes to hours.
Dosage and Administration
It is given only by trained neonatal doctors in a hospital newborn unit, directly into the baby’s windpipe through a breathing tube or a thin catheter (intratracheal use). The dose is based on the baby’s birth weight and may be repeated depending on response, as prescribed. It is not injected and not swallowed.
Interactions
No important drug interactions are known. It is often used alongside breathing support and, in some cases, antenatal steroids given to the mother before birth.
Contraindications
- No absolute contraindications are listed for babies who need it; the neonatal team decides based on the baby’s condition.
Side Effects
During dosing, the baby may have a brief slow heart rate, a fall in oxygen levels or blockage of the breathing tube; dosing is paused until the baby recovers. After treatment, rapid improvement in lung stiffness can lead to over-inflation or air leaks if breathing support is not adjusted. Bleeding in the lungs is an uncommon risk.
These babies are continuously monitored in intensive care, and staff respond immediately to any change in breathing, colour, heart rate or oxygen level.
Pregnancy and Lactation
This product is used in newborns, not in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Breast milk feeding of the baby can continue as directed by the neonatal team.
Precautions and Warnings
It must only be given where staff, equipment and monitoring for newborn intensive care are available. Breathing machine settings and oxygen are adjusted quickly after dosing. Correct placement of the breathing tube is checked before each dose.
Overdose
Too large a volume may block the airways briefly. Staff can suction the airway and support breathing.
Therapeutic Class
Pulmonary surfactant (natural, animal-derived phospholipid preparation).
Storage
Hospital product: store as directed on the pack. Liquid forms are usually kept in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C, do not freeze, and are warmed to room temperature before use without shaking; some powder forms are stored differently.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.