Indication: A bovine lung extract used in treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborn premature infants with a bodyweight of 700 g or greater who are intubated and are receiving mechanical ventilation.

Cautions: should be administered with adequate facilities for ventilation and monitoring of babies with RDS.

Artificial warming methods of the product should not be used.

Side Effects: pulmonary and intracranial haemorrhages have been reported. Also, Increased risk of pulmonary haemorrhage, especially in more premature infants. A transient decrease in brain electrical activity has been reported in neonates. Transient bradycardia has also been reported. Giving surfactant has occasionally been associated with obstruction of the endotracheal tube by mucus.

Dose: by intratracheal instillation, 100mg phospholipids/kg birthweight in a volume not exceeding 4ml/kg.

The dose should be administered early in the course of RDS i.e. preferably less than 8 hours of age.

The dose may be repeated within 48 hours at intervals of at least 6 hours for up to 4 doses.