Poractant Alfa (DDPC, Natural Lung Surfactant, Porcine Origin)



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



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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Jul 21, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Poractant Alfa (DDPC, Natural Lung Surfactant, Porcine Origin)

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