CALFACTANT

CALFACTANT
(cal-fac'tant)
Infasurf
Classifications: lung surfactant;
Therapeutic: lung surfactant
Prototype: Beractant
Pregnancy Category: Not applicable

Availability

35 mg/mL suspension

Action

Pulmonary surfactant. Lowers the surface tension on alveolar surfaces during respiration and stabilizes the alveoli against collapse at resting pressure. Deficiency of surfactant causes respiratory disease syndrome (RDS) in premature infants.

Therapeutic Effect

Effectively relieves and prevents RDS in neonates.

Uses

Prevention and treatment of RDS in infants at high risk for RDS.

Contraindications

Bovine protein hypersensitivity; nosocomial infections.

Cautious Use

Lactation.

Route & Dosage

Prevention & Treatment of RDS
Infant: Intratracheal 3 mL/kg of birth weight administered through an endotracheal tube q12h x 3 doses

Administration

Intratracheal

Swirl vial to disperse suspension; do not dilute and DO NOT SHAKE. Withdraw with 20-gauge or larger needle. Avoid excess foaming. Instill into the endotracheal tube, preferably within 30 min of birth.
Stop administration of calfactant if reflux into endotracheal tube occurs as indicated by cyanosis, bradycardia, or other signs of airway obstruction.

Adverse Effects (≥1%)

CV: Bradycardia. Respiratory: Cyanosis, airway obstruction, reflux of surfactant into endotracheal tube.

Interactions

Drug: No clinically significant interactions established.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbs rapidly to air; liquid interface of lung surface.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Monitor closely during and after administration; adjustments in oxygen therapy and ventilator pressures are usually needed.

Patient & Family Education

This drug will help baby to breathe properly and support normal respiratory function.

Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug

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