What is Surfaxin?
Surfaxin acts as a lung surface-acting agent, also known as a "surfactant." It helps the lungs function normally. Surfaxin can be used to treat or stop the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in an infant who is premature and has lungs that are not fully developed. Surfaxin can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Warnings
Your baby is likely to receive Surfaxin at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and similar hospital settings.
Surfaxin is injected directly into the lungs of your baby through an airway tube also connected to an air ventilator (a device that circulates air through and out of the lung in order to aid your baby's breathing and to get sufficient oxygen). Surfaxin is akin to the fluid found in the lungs, which aids in maintaining efficient breathing. Your baby will be under constant observation during the course of treatment.
Before making use of Surfaxin
To fully participate in your baby's care when he or she is in the NICU, ensure that you follow the instructions given by the caregivers for your baby.
What is Surfaxin?
Surfaxin is administered directly to the baby's lungs via a breathing tube. Your baby will be given the medication in a neonatal intensive medical unit (NICU) or similar hospital.
It is attached to the ventilator (a machine that circulates air through the lungs, helping your baby breathe better and receive adequate oxygen). Surfaxin should be administered as quickly as possible after the birth of the baby. Typically, it is after 30 minutes. The baby's breathing, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and other vital signs will be closely monitored while you treat your baby with Surfaxin.
Related drugs
Curosurf, beractant, poractant, and lucinactant
What happens if I miss a dose?
Because Surfaxin is prescribed as recommended by a doctor, it is unlikely that your child will miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Because Surfaxin is administered in a medically controlled setting by a medical expert, an overdose isn't likely. But an overdose of Surfaxin isn't likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What should be avoided?
Follow the doctor's advice regarding any feeding restrictions or medications after your baby is treated with Surfaxin.
Side effects of Surfaxin
Surfaxin has no side effects. It is possible that the baby might experience breathing problems during treatment, and such issues may require additional treatment from medical specialists. The baby will be under close supervision throughout treatment with Surfaxin.
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
The caregivers of your baby's child will oversee and supervise the administration of all medications to your baby at the NICU. An interaction with Surfaxin and other medicines is unlikely to occur.
Do not give your baby any medicine that hasn't been approved by your doctor. This includes minerals, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
