Surfaxin Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Surfaxin

Surfaxin is not indicated for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). When administered to adults via segmental bronchoscopic lavage to treat ARDS, there was an increased incidence of death, multi-organ failure, sepsis, anoxic encephalopathy, renal failure, hypoxia, pneumothorax, hypotension, and pulmonary embolism.
Treatment should be interrupted and the infant should be stabilized if it experiences
- Bradycardia - an unnatural heart rhythm
- Oxygen desaturation - insufficient amounts of oxygen in the blood
- Reflux of Surfaxin into the endotracheal tube (ETT)
- Airway or ETT obstruction

Common Side Effects of Surfaxin

Endotracheal tube reflux
Endotracheal tube obstruction
An unhealthy pale appearance, or pallor
Need for dose interruption

Warnings & Recalls for Surfaxin

General Surfaxin Warnings

Infants given Surfaxin treatments should receive frequent assessments to ensure that oxygen and ventilator support is modified for changed in respiratory changes.

Surfaxin Treatment and Use

Surfaxin | lucinactant is a preventative surfactant treatment for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants who have a higher chance of developing this life-threatening condition. It is the only alternative to animal-derived surfactant.

How does Surfaxin work?

Respiratory distress syndrome is caused by a shortage of pulmonary surfactant, a liquid which is vital for healthy lung function. Surfaxin is a synthetic version of this liquid, and helps premature infants breathe by providing additional surfactant and lowering surface tension during breathing.

Surfaxin Dosage Information

Surfaxin is administered intratracheally by a clinicians trained in intubation, ventilator use, and care of premature infants.

The usual dose of Surfaxin is 5.8 mL per kg in birth weight. Within the first 48 hours of life, up to four doses six hours apart.

Other Names for Surfaxin

Brand name:

Surfaxin

Generic name:

Lucinactant