What is Survanta, and how does it work?
Survanta (beractant) Intratracheal Suspension is a pulmonary surfactant made from animal lung extract and is used to treat or prevent respiratory distress syndrome in newborn infants.
What are the side effects of Survanta?
Common side effects of Survanta include:
- noisy breathing,
- feeding or bowel problems, or
- bleeding around the endotracheal tube.
Tell your child's doctor if the child has serious side effects of Survanta including:
- pale skin,
- slow heartbeat,
- breathing that stops (apnea),
- urinating less than usual, or
- blood in the urine.
What is the dosage for Survanta?
Important Administration Instructions
- For intratracheal administration (given via needle or catheter inserted into the throat) only.
- Survanta should be administered by or under the supervision of clinicians experienced in intubation, ventilator management, and general care of premature infants. The administration of Survanta is facilitated if one person administers the dose while another person positions and monitors the infant.
- Before administering Survanta, assure proper placement and patency of the endotracheal tube. At the discretion of the clinician, the endotracheal tube may be suctioned before administering Survanta. The infant should be allowed to stabilize before proceeding with dosing.
- Administer Survanta intratracheally by instillation through a 5 French end-hole catheter.
Recommended Dosage
- Each dose of Survanta is 100 mg of phospholipids/kg birth weight (4 mL/kg).
- In the prevention strategy, in premature infants with evidence of surfactant deficiency, give the first dose of Survanta as soon as possible, preferably within 15 minutes of birth.
- To treat infants with RDS confirmed by radiographic and clinical findings, give the first dose of Survanta as soon as possible, preferably by 8 hours of age.
- Four doses of Survanta can be administered in the first 48 hours of life.
- Doses should be given no more frequently than every 6 hours.
- The need for additional doses of Survanta is determined by evidence of continuing respiratory distress. Radiographic confirmation of RDS should be obtained before administering additional doses to those who received a prevention dose.
Is Survanta safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Survanta is indicated for use in premature infants, and there is no safety information available for pregnant or nursing women.

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Surprising Reasons for Weight Gain See SlideshowSummary
Survanta (beractant) Intratracheal Suspension is a pulmonary surfactant made from animal lung extract and is used to treat or prevent respiratory distress syndrome in newborn infants. Common side effects of Survanta include noisy breathing, feeding or bowel problems, or bleeding around the endotracheal tube.
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The cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is unknown. The risk of SIDS peaks in infants 2-4 months of age. SIDS is more common among male infants, particularly African American and Native American infants, during the winter months. Putting the baby to sleep on his/her back, avoiding fluffy, loose bedding, using a firm mattress, and avoiding co-sleeping may help to prevent SIDS.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung condition in which trauma to the lungs leads to inflammation of the lungs, accumulation of fluid in the alveolar air sacs, low blood oxygen, and respiratory distress. ARDS can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of are shortness of breath and low levels of oxygen in the blood, which can cause your organs to fail. Causes of ARDS include: Pneumonia Aspiration into the lungs Severe blow to the chest Sepsis Severe injury with shock Drug overdose Inflamed pancreas Other lung conditions and infections Burns Sepsis Near drowning Fractures There have been genetic factors linked to ARDS. Treatment for includes supplemental oxygen, and/or medication. According to some studies, survival rates for ARDS depend upon the cause associated with it, but can vary from 48% to 68%.REFERENCES: Harman, EM, MD. "Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Clinical Presentation." Medscape. Updated: Aug 11, 2016. Harman, EM, MD. "Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome." Medscape. Updated: Aug 11, 2016. PubMed Health. "ARDS." Updated: Jun 11, 2014. Reynolds, HN. et al. Acute respiratory distress syndrome: estimated incidence and mortality rate in a 5 million-person population base. Crit Care. 1998; 2(1): 29–34. Published online 1998 Mar 12. doi: 10.1186/cc121
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