Lucinactant (Intratracheal)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 15, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Surfaxin

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Lung Surfactant

Uses for lucinactant

Lucinactant injection is used to prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants at risk for RDS. RDS is a breathing or lung problem which is more common in premature infants because their lungs are not making enough surfactant. Surfactant is a liquid produced naturally in the lungs that helps an infant breathe air normally.

Lucinactant is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using lucinactant

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For lucinactant, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to lucinactant or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lucinactant injection in premature infants.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of lucinactant injection in geriatric patients.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of lucinactant. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome—Surfaxin® is not indicated for use in patients with this condition.

• Airway blockage or
• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

Proper use of lucinactant

A doctor or other trained health professional will give your child lucinactant in a hospital. Lucinactant is given directly into your child's lungs through his endotracheal (breathing) tube.