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Calfactant is a lung surface acting agent, or "surfactant." It helps the lungs function normally. Calfactant is similar to the natural fluid in the lungs that helps maintain effective breathing. Calfactant is used to treat or prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in a premature baby whose lungs have not fully developed. Calfactant may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Your baby will receive this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar hospital setting. Calfactant is given directly into the baby's lungs through a breathing tube that is also connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs to help your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen). Calfactant is similar to the natural fluid in the lungs that helps maintain effective breathing. Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with calfactant.
To best participate in the care of your baby while he or she is in the NICU, carefully follow all instructions provided by your baby's caregivers.
Calfactant is given directly into the baby's lungs through a breathing tube. Your baby will receive this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar hospital setting. The breathing tube is connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs to help your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen). Calfactant is given as soon as possible after the baby's birth, usually within 30 minutes. Calfactant is usually given every 12 hours for up to 3 doses. Your baby's breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely during treatment with calfactant.
Since calfactant is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that your baby will miss a dose.
Since calfactant is given in a controlled medical setting by a healthcare professional, an overdose is not likely to occur. However, an overdose of calfactant is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions in feeding, medications, or activity after your baby has been treated with calfactant.
Calfactant causes few side effects. There is a possibility that the baby will have breathing difficulties during the calfactant treatment, and these problems may require further treatment by health care professionals. Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with calfactant. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Respiratory Distress Syndrome: <72 hours of life: 3 mL/kg instilled intratracheally every 12 hours for a total of up to 3 doses. For prevention of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants of <29 weeks gestational age, the first dose is preferably given within 30 minutes of birth. For rescue treatment, the first dose is given as soon as possible.
>72 hours of life: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Your baby's caregivers will manage and monitor all medications given to your baby during treatment in the NICU. A drug interaction between calfactant and other medications is not expected to occur. Do not give any medications to your baby that have not been prescribed by the baby's doctor. This includes vitamins, minerals, or herbal products.
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about calfactant.
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