Beractant (Natural Lung Surfactant)(ber ak’ tant)
Survanta
PREGNANCY CATEGORY UNKNOWN
Drug class
Lung surfactant
Therapeutic Actions
A natural bovine compound containing lipids and apoproteins that reduce surface tension and allow expansion of the alveoli; replaces the surfactant missing in the lungs of neonates suffering from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Indications
Prophylactic treatment of infants at risk of developing RDS; infants with birth weights less than 1,250 g or infants with
birth weights more than 1,250 g who have evidence of pulmonary immaturity
Rescue treatment of premature infants who have developed RDS
Contraindications and Cautions
Because beractant is used as an emergency drug in acute respiratory situations, the benefits usually outweigh any possible risks.
Available Forms
Suspension—25 mg/mL suspended in 0.9% sodium chloride injection
Dosages
Pediatric patients
Accurate determination of birth weight is essential for correct dosage. Beractant is instilled into the trachea using a catheter inserted into the endotracheal tube.
Prophylactic treatment: Give first dose of 100 mg phospholipids/kg birth weight (4 mL/kg) soon after birth, preferably within 15 min. After determining the needed dose, inject one-quarter of the dose into the endotracheal tube over 2–3 sec. Remove the catheter and ventilate the baby. Repeat the procedure to give the remaining one-quarter dose. A repeat dose may be given no sooner than 6 hr after previous dose if infant remains intubated and requires at least 30% inspired oxygen to maintain a partial pressure of arterial oxygen of 80 torr or less. Four doses can be administered in the first 48 hr of life.
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