Beractant Surfactant Therapy for Premature Infant Respiratory Care

Key Points About Beractant and Surfactant Therapy

Beractant is a medication used to treat breathing difficulties in newborns, particularly those born prematurely. It works by replacing surfactant, a natural substance that helps keep the lungs from collapsing. Beractant is commonly prescribed for conditions such as Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and other lung-related issues in newborns. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting any treatment.

Names of Medication: Beractant and Survanta

US Brand Name: Survanta

Generic Name: Beractant

The generic name is the official medical name of the drug, while the brand name is assigned by the manufacturer. In this case, Beractant is the generic name, and Survanta is the brand name.

Pharmacologic Category: Surfactant Therapy Options

Beractant belongs to a broader category of surfactant therapies used in neonatal care. Other surfactant options include:

1. Poractant alfa (Curosurf)
2. Calfactant (Infasurf)
3. Lucinactant (Surfaxin)

Beractant Dosing for Neonatal Respiratory Conditions

Beractant is primarily used in newborns to manage various lung-related conditions. The dosage depends on the specific condition being treated. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. You can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers for personalized guidance.

Dosing for Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally (directly into the windpipe).

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to a maximum of 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: Until symptoms improve or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Dosing for Neonatal Respiratory Failure

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally.

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: Based on clinical response.

Dosing for Premature Birth

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally.

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: Until lung function improves or as advised by your healthcare provider.

Dosing for Atelectasis

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally.

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: As needed based on clinical improvement.

Dosing for Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally.

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: Until symptoms improve or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Dosing for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally.

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: Based on clinical response.

Dosing for Hypoxia

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally.

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: Until oxygen levels improve or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Dosing for Pulmonary Edema

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally.

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: Until symptoms improve or as advised by your healthcare provider.

Dosing for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally.

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: Based on clinical response.

Dosing for Surfactant Deficiency

Dose: 100 mg/kg of birth weight, administered intratracheally.

Frequency: Every 6 hours, up to 4 doses.

Length of Treatment: Until lung function improves or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Dosage Forms and Strengths of Beractant

Dosage Form: Intratracheal suspension

Strength: 25 mg/mL in a 4 mL vial

Administration Instructions for Beractant

Beractant is administered directly into the lungs through a tube placed into the windpipe (intratracheal administration). This procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting by a healthcare professional. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. If you have any questions about the administration process, you can consult one of our telemedicine providers for more information.

Contraindications for Beractant Use

A contraindication is a specific situation or condition where a particular treatment or medication should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. In the case of Beractant, there are certain conditions where it is not recommended.

1. Known hypersensitivity to Beractant or any of its components: If a patient has a known allergy to Beractant or any of its ingredients, using the medication could trigger a severe allergic reaction, which may be life-threatening.
2. Congenital malformations of the lungs: In some cases, babies are born with lung defects that cannot be treated with surfactant replacement therapy like Beractant. Using Beractant in these cases may not be effective and could delay other necessary treatments.
3. Severe infection (sepsis): If a newborn has a severe infection, administering Beractant may not be appropriate until the infection is under control, as the body may not respond to the medication as expected.

If you or your child has any of these conditions, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting Beractant. You can consult one of our providers through telemedicine to get personalized advice.

Drug to Drug Interactions with Beractant

Beractant, primarily used in newborns, generally has fewer drug interactions compared to medications commonly prescribed for adults. However, it’s still important to be mindful of potential interactions, especially when other treatments are being administered. Some medications that may interact with Beractant include:

1. Furosemide (Lasix): This diuretic can influence lung fluid balance and may reduce the effectiveness of Beractant.
2. Dopamine (Intropin): Often used to treat low blood pressure, dopamine can alter blood flow to the lungs, potentially diminishing Beractant’s efficacy.
3. Indomethacin (Indocin): This medication, used to close a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), may affect lung function and interfere with how well Beractant works.

Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications your child is taking before starting Beractant. If you have concerns about potential drug interactions, you can schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers for further guidance.

Beractant Use During Pregnancy

Beractant is not typically used in pregnant women, as it is a surfactant therapy specifically designed for newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. However, if you are pregnant and concerned about your baby’s potential need for Beractant after birth, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the risks and benefits based on your individual circumstances.

Beractant and Breastfeeding

Since Beractant is administered directly into the lungs of newborns, it is not expected to pass into breast milk or affect breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding and your baby is receiving Beractant, it is generally considered safe to continue breastfeeding. However, always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your situation.

Estimated Cost of Beractant

The cost of Beractant can vary depending on your location and the pharmacy you use. Without insurance, the estimated cost of a single dose of Beractant, when using a GoodRX coupon, ranges from approximately $1,000 to $2,000. Since Beractant is typically administered in a hospital setting, the cost may be included in the overall hospital bill for your baby’s care.

Possible Alternatives to Beractant

For certain conditions, alternative treatments or interventions may help manage or reduce the need for Beractant. It’s essential to discuss these options with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

1. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Alternatives include other surfactant replacement therapies such as Poractant Alfa (Curosurf) or Calfactant (Infasurf). In some cases, ventilator support or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may help manage breathing difficulties.
2. Neonatal Respiratory Failure: Mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used in severe cases. Administering prenatal steroids to the mother can also reduce the risk of respiratory failure in preterm infants.
3. Premature Birth: Administering corticosteroids to the mother before birth can accelerate lung development in the fetus, potentially reducing the need for surfactant therapy like Beractant.
4. Atelectasis: Chest physiotherapy and mechanical ventilation may help reopen collapsed areas of the lungs.
5. Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: Suctioning the airway immediately after birth and providing respiratory support can help manage this condition.
6. Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD): Long-term oxygen therapy and medications such as diuretics or bronchodilators may help manage BPD. Nutritional support and minimizing ventilator use can also improve outcomes.
7. Hypoxia: Oxygen therapy, CPAP, or mechanical ventilation may be used to increase oxygen levels in the blood.
8. Pulmonary Edema: Diuretics like Furosemide (Lasix) may help reduce fluid buildup in the lungs. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary.
9. Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Surgical repair of the hernia is often required. In some cases, ECMO may be used to support the baby’s breathing until surgery can be performed.
10. Surfactant Deficiency: Other surfactant replacement therapies, such as Poractant Alfa (Curosurf) or Calfactant (Infasurf), may be considered as alternatives to Beractant.

If you are considering alternative treatments, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. You can schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to explore your options in more detail.

Recent Updates on Beractant Research

Recent studies on Beractant have focused on optimizing dosing strategies and improving outcomes in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Researchers are also exploring the use of Beractant in combination with other therapies, such as inhaled nitric oxide, to enhance lung function in newborns with severe respiratory failure. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating whether earlier administration of Beractant can reduce the need for mechanical ventilation and improve long-term outcomes.

As research continues, new findings may lead to updated guidelines for the use of Beractant in neonatal care. If you have questions about the latest research or how it may impact your child’s treatment, consider scheduling a telemedicine consultation with one of our providers.

James Kingsley

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