Calfactant (DDPC, Natural Lung Surfactant)(cal fak’ tant)
Infasurf
PREGNANCY CATEGORY UNDETERMINED (NOT FOR USE IN ADULTS)
Drug Classes
Lung surfactant
Therapeutic Actions
A natural bovine compound containing lipids and apoproteins that reduce surface tension, allowing expansion of the alveoli; replaces the surfactant missing in the lungs of neonates suffering from RDS.
Indications
Prophylactic treatment of infants at risk of developing RDS; infants less than 29 wk gestation
Rescue treatment of premature infants up to 72 hr of age who have developed RDS and require endotracheal intubation; best if started within 30 min after birth
Contraindications and Cautions
Because calfactant is used as an emergency drug in acute respiratory situations, the benefits usually outweigh any possible risks.
Available Forms
Intratracheal suspension—35 mg/mL
Dosages
Infants
Accurate determination of birth weight is essential for determining appropriate dosage. Calfactant is instilled into the trachea using a catheter inserted into the endotracheal tube.
Prophylactic and rescue treatment: Instill 3 mL/kg of birth weight in two doses of 1.5 mL/kg each. Repeat doses of 3 mL/kg of birth weight up to a total of three doses 12 hr apart.
