Survanta is a lung surfactant used in premature infants to treat or prevent respiratory distress syndrome, a serious condition caused by underdeveloped lungs. It contains beractant, which is a natural surfactant prepared from bovine (cow) lung extract. Survanta is administered directly into the infant’s lungs soon after birth or at the onset of breathing difficulties, and it plays a vital role in helping the baby breathe more easily.

Mechanism of Action:
In the lungs, surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension within the air sacs, known as alveoli. In premature babies, their lungs often lack enough natural surfactant, leading to alveolar collapse and difficulty breathing.

• Survanta works by replacing or supplementing the missing surfactant.

• Beractant spreads across the alveoli and reduces surface tension, keeping the air sacs open during breathing.

• This helps improve gas exchange, oxygen delivery, and overall lung function.

  Uses:
  Survanta is used in neonatology for:

  • Treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants

  • Prevention of RDS in high-risk preterm infants, ideally given within 15 minutes of birth

  • It may be repeated up to three more times within the first 48 hours of life if required

    Adverse Effects:
    Although Survanta is life-saving, some side effects may occur, usually related to the administration procedure or the infant’s critical condition:

    • Bradycardia or a slow heart rate during or after dosing

    • Oxygen desaturation or a temporary drop in oxygen levels

    • Airway obstruction due to the thickness of the solution

    • Pulmonary hemorrhage, though rare, is a serious side effect

    • Other risks include infection, apnea, or intracranial bleeding, which may also relate to prematurity rather than the medication itself