BERACTANT
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved beractant for pulmonary disorders on March 7, 1991. Beractant belongs to the medication class of pulmonary surfactants. It is extracted from bovine lungs to assist patients with breathing.
Uses
Beractant prevents and treats Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature newborns with a birth weight of 700g or more. It is also used for premature babies born before 32 weeks of pregnancy at risk of RDS and need a tube inserted into their windpipe for stabilization. RDS is a condition in which the lungs of premature babies are not fully developed, leading to breathing difficulties.
How is it administered?
Beractant should be administered by a well-trained physician. It should be administered via the endotracheopulmonary route. A dose will be given through a tube or catheter placed in the windpipe. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Do not self-administer.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Beractant are noisy breathing, feeding or bowel problems, and bleeding around the endotracheal tube.
Warnings
Beractant should not be consumed if you are allergic to Beractant or any of its ingredients in the medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious eye symptoms, heart issues, or severe neurological symptoms while using this medication. Consult your healthcare provider for any concerns or allergies.
Precautions
Beractant should only be administered in a closely monitored clinical setting by an experienced physician familiar with premature infant care. Monitoring of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels is essential during treatment. If bradycardia or decreased oxygen saturation occurs during dosing, the procedure should be paused, and appropriate measures are taken.
Word of Advice
Beractant is not indicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Inform your doctor if your baby experiences any serious adverse effects. Contact your doctor for additional information. Store the medicine at 2°C to 8°C.
References
Abbvie Ltd; Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); [Revised on June 2020] [Accessed on 24th July 2023], pil.834.pdf (medicines.org.uk) AbbVie Inc; US Food and Drug Administration; [Revised on December 2019] [Accessed on 24th July 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020032s045lbl.pdf AbbVie corporation; Survanta; Patient medication information; [Revised on 04th June 2021] [Accessed on 24th July 2023], https://www.abbvie.ca/content/dam/abbvie-dotcom/ca/en/documents/products/SURVANTA_PM_EN.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Beractant if Iâm pregnant?
Beractant is not indicated for women of childbearing age and should not be used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the potential risks and benefits of the medication with your healthcare provider.
What is Beractant?
Beractant is a type of medication that belongs to pulmonary surfactants, which is extracted from cowâs lungs to help the children breathe. This medication prevents and treats Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature newborns.
How is Beractant administered?
Beractant is administered directly into the baby's windpipe through a tube or catheter. This procedure is usually performed in a highly supervised clinical setting by experienced medical professionals.
Is Beractant safe for my baby?
Beractant is considered safe and effective when used as prescribed by healthcare providers for the treatment of RDS. Clinical studies have shown positive outcomes in improving lung function and aiding breathing in premature infants.
How often will my baby receive Beractant?
The frequency and duration of Beractant administration will depend on your baby's specific medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosing schedule.
What are the side effects of Beractant?
The common side effects of Beractant are noisy breathing, feeding or bowel problems, and bleeding around the endotracheal tube. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects.