| Common Brands | Infasurf |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Surfactant |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Calfactant is a medication primarily administered to infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome, a disorder that is commonly found in the newborns of premature deliveries. It is a synthetic surfactant that enables improved lung function by reducing the surface tension in the lungs.
Calfactant is generally applied in the NICUs with the help of a doctor. It is injected directly into the lungs by the endotracheal tube for instant relief in newborn babies suffering from RDS. Being a surfactant, Calfactant imitates the natural surfactants in the lungs and helps in stabilizing the air sacs of the lungs called alveoli.
Calfactant is usually given by a medical professional in a hospital. It’s usually given in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It’s administered through an endotracheal tube, directly into the lungs. The precise dosage and schedule of administration depend on the infant’s clinical condition, age, and weight.
In general, the process of administering Calfactant includes
Preparation: The healthcare provider prepares the Calfactant, which is usually supplied in a sterile vial. It is warmed to room temperature before use.
Placement of Endotracheal Tube: An endotracheal tube is placed in the windpipe of the infant. This will allow surfactant to be directly administered into the lungs, where it will have its greatest impact.
Administration: It is infused into the tube usually for a duration in order to ensure it mixes thoroughly throughout the lungs.
Post-Administration Care: After infusion, the baby might need to be carefully monitored for side effects or alteration in breathing patterns. Most often, the health team offers ongoing respiratory support such as mechanical ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) depending on the condition of the baby.
Surfactants, such as Calfactant, play a critical role in the respiratory system by reducing surface tension within the lungs. Surface tension is the force that causes the alveoli to collapse after exhalation.
Decreases Surface Tension: Calfactant decreases the surface tension in the lungs; this keeps the alveoli open and prevents them from collapsing after each breath.
Improves Gas Exchange: As long as the alveoli stay open and stable, the newborn’s lungs will be able to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide better, with an overall improvement in oxygenation.
Improves Lung Compliance: With decreased surface tension, lungs become more compliant, meaning they can expand and recoil more easily with each breath.
Although Calfactant is generally well tolerated, side effects are associated with its use. Some of the side effects may be as follows:
Bradycardia: It refers to the heart rate lower than the normal rate. Bradycardia sometimes appears during or immediately after the administration of Calfactant, and this usually resolves within minutes and requires temporary adjustments in care.
Desaturation: Low oxygen levels in the blood may occur during administration. Oxygen levels are closely monitored, and the team is prepared to adjust oxygen therapy appropriately.
Pulmonary Hemorrhage: In a very small number of patients, surfactants like Calfactant may cause hemorrhage in the lungs. This is more common with extremely premature infants or with other complicating factors.
Prematurity and Low Birth Weight: Calfactant is primarily administered to premature infants, but its administration should be monitored carefully, especially in extremely low birth weight infants or those with complications.
Monitoring Respiratory Status: Monitoring of respiratory status and oxygen saturation should be done continuously after the administration. The infant may require mechanical ventilation or other support for the optimal result.
Risk of Allergic Reaction: Although extremely rare, allergic reactions to Calfactant or any component of it may be present. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, difficulty in breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.
Risk of Infection: As with any invasive medical equipment procedure (such as an endotracheal tube), infection is always a risk. However, by using strict aseptic techniques, the risk of infection is reduced.
Other Surfactant Therapy:
Combining Calfactant with other surfactants or treatments for RDS is generally not recommended unless directed by a healthcare provider. While surfactants work similarly, administering different types together might not provide additional benefits and could lead to complications or ineffective treatment.
Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone or hydrocortisone) are sometimes used to accelerate fetal lung maturity in premature infants. If used in combination with Calfactant, it’s important to carefully monitor the infant, as corticosteroids can affect lung function and may interact with surfactant therapy. However, corticosteroids are generally used before delivery to prevent RDS in premature infants.
Oxygen Therapy:
Calfactant is often administered alongside oxygen therapy to treat RDS, but excessive oxygen supplementation can lead to oxygen toxicity. Proper monitoring of oxygen levels is essential to avoid complications such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or lung injury in premature infants.
Antibiotics:
While there is no direct interaction between Calfactant and antibiotics, premature infants receiving surfactant therapy may also need antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Care should be taken to avoid potential drug interactions and ensure appropriate dosing.
Sedatives or Analgesics:
Calfactant is typically given while the infant is under careful medical supervision in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). If sedatives or pain medications are used in conjunction with surfactant therapy, careful dosing and monitoring are necessary, especially for maintaining the infant’s respiratory and cardiovascular stability.
The dosage of Calfactant is determined by the weight of the infant and the severity of the respiratory distress syndrome. The common dose is approximately 3 mL/kg of body weight and usually administered in one or two doses. More doses can be administered if the condition of the infant does not improve after the first dose, as determined by the clinician.
The dosage will be adjusted according to the infant’s response to treatment and overall condition. Since it is administered via an endotracheal tube, the dose is carefully controlled, and the medication is slowly distributed into the lungs to ensure proper coverage.
Calfactant is available only through prescription and needs to be given by health care professionals trained in hospitals. It cannot be administered at home or by self-administration, and most of the patients are NICU-based. The application and dosage are prescribed by healthcare providers depending on the condition of the infant, its weight, and medical history.
In conclusion, Calfactant is an essential treatment for premature infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome, offering life-saving support by improving lung function and oxygenation. Although it is generally well tolerated, it should only be used under the guidance of medical professionals in a hospital setting due to its specific administration requirements and potential side effects.
What is Calfactant?
How does Calfactant work?
What conditions is Calfactant used to treat?
How is Calfactant administered?
What are the common brand names for Calfactant?
Is Calfactant safe for all infants?
What are the potential side effects of Calfactant?
Can Calfactant be used in adults?
What should happen if a dose of Calfactant is missed?
How long does the effect of Calfactant last?
Is Calfactant a controlled substance?
Can Calfactant be used with other medications?
Is there a generic version of Calfactant?
What age group can use Calfactant?
How should Calfactant be stored?
What is the typical dosage of Calfactant?
What are the common signs of respiratory distress in infants that may require Calfactant?
Can Calfactant be reused or administered multiple times?
What are the storage requirements for Calfactant before administration?
Where can I find more information about Calfactant?
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