Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Surfaxin

Descriptions


Lucinactant injection is used to prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants at risk for RDS. RDS is a breathing or lung problem which is more common in premature infants because their lungs are not making enough surfactant. Surfactant is a liquid produced naturally in the lungs that helps an infant breathe air normally.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Suspension

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lucinactant injection in premature infants.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of lucinactant injection in geriatric patients.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome—Surfaxin® is not indicated for use in patients with this condition.
  • Airway blockage or
  • Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

Proper Use

A doctor or other trained health professional will give your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given directly into your child's lungs through his endotracheal (breathing) tube.

Precautions

It is very important that your child's doctor check your child's progress closely while receiving the medicine. This will allow the doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if your child should continue to receive it.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

  1. Bluish lips or skin
  2. cough
  3. coughing up blood
  4. fast heartbeat
  5. fever or chills
  6. pale skin
  7. rapid, shallow breathing
  8. shortness of breath
  9. slow heartbeat
  10. sneezing
  11. troubled breathing
  12. wheezing

Incidence not known

  1. Blue or white in color
  2. heart may stop
  3. no oxygen to lungs
  4. patient unresponsive

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  1. clay-colored stools
  2. coma
  3. convulsions
  4. dark urine
  5. decreased urine output
  6. fruit-like breath odor
  7. loss of appetite
  8. rapid, deep breathing
  9. rash
  10. restlessness
  11. sweating
  12. swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
  13. unusual bleeding or bruising
  14. vomiting of blood
  15. yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lucinactant-intratracheal-route/proper-use/drg-20075532