Calfactant, Intratracheal

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: lung surfactant

Generic and brand names: calfactant, intratracheal; Infasurf

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is a lung surfactant (helps the lungs function normally). It helps prevent or treat respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature babies. This medicine makes breathing easier for premature infants while their lungs get stronger.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given through a tube that is put into the baby's windpipe (trachea).

This treatment must be done in the hospital and started right after the birth of premature infants in respiratory distress.

What should I watch out for?

This treatment is always given by health care providers trained to care for newborn infants with RDS who need breathing tubes. This treatment provides time for the lungs to mature and work on their own.

Your health care provider will watch the infant closely.

What are the possible side effects?

Most side effects of this medicine occur when the medicine is being given to the infant. These side effects are usually correctable when treated by trained personnel.

The infant will be closely watched for side effects such as: blocked airway; slow (abnormal) heartbeat; backup of the medicine into the windpipe; low blood pressure; lack of oxygen; pneumonia and septicemia (blood poisoning).

The baby's health care provider will watch closely for any other side effects.

Your health care provider may inform you of any signs or symptoms to report when you take the baby home. Tell your health care provider if side effects continue or get worse.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your baby's medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products your baby is taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.