Poractant Alfa (DDPC, Natural Lung Surfactant, Porcine Origin)(poor ak’ tant)
Curosurf
PREGNANCY CATEGORY UNKNOWN
Drug Class
Lung surfactant
Therapeutic Actions
A natural porcine 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 RDS.
Indications
Rescue treatment of infants who have developed RDS
Unlabeled uses: Severe meconium aspiration syndrome; respiratory failure caused by group B streptococcal infection in neonates
Contraindications and Cautions
Because poractant is used as an emergency drug in acute respiratory situations, the benefits usually outweigh any possible risks.
Use cautiously with any known family history of allergy to porcine products.
Available Forms
Suspension for intratracheal instillation—80 mg/mL
Dosages
Warning Accurate determination of birth weight is essential for determining appropriate dosage. Poractant is instilled into the trachea using a catheter inserted into the endotracheal tube. Administer entire contents of vial (2.5 mL/kg birth weight) intratracheally, giving one-half of the dose into each bronchi. Administer the first dose as soon as possible after the diagnosis of RDS is made and when the patient is on the ventilator. Up to 2 subsequent doses of 1.25 mL/kg birth weight at 12-hr intervals may be needed. Maximum total dose is 5 mL/kg (sum of initial and 2 repeat doses).
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