Curosurf
Generic name: Poractant Alfa (Curosurf)
Drug class: Lung surfactants
Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.
What is Curosurf?
Curosurf is a prescription medicine that is used to treat or prevent lung distress in premature babies.
Description
Poractant alfa is an extract of natural porcine lung (pulmonary) surfactant consisting of 99% polar lipids (mainly phospholipids) and 1% hydrophobic low molecular weight surfactant associated proteins (SP). The molecular weight of SP-B is 8.7 KDa and the molecular weight of SP-C is 3.7 KDa.
CUROSURF (poractant alfa) intratracheal suspension is a sterile, white to creamy white suspension provided in a single-dose vial for intratracheal use. Each milliliter of suspension contains 80 mg of poractant alfa (surfactant extract) that includes 76 mg of phospholipids and 1 mg of SP of which 0.45 mg is SP-B, a 79-amino acid protein and 0.59 mg is SP-C, a 35-amino acid peptide . The amount of phospholipids is calculated from the content of phosphorus and contains 55 mg of phosphatidylcholine of which 30 mg is dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. It is suspended in 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The pH is adjusted with sodium bicarbonate to a pH of 6.2 (5.5 to 6.5).
Curosurf contains no preservatives.
Mechanism of Action
Endogenous pulmonary surfactant reduces surface tension at the air-liquid interface of the alveoli during ventilation and stabilizes the alveoli against collapse at resting transpulmonary pressures. A deficiency of pulmonary surfactant in preterm infants results in Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) characterized by poor lung expansion, inadequate gas exchange, and a gradual collapse of the lungs (atelectasis).
CUROSURF compensates for the deficiency of surfactant and restores surface activity to the lungs of these infants.
Before taking Curosurf, tell your doctor:
- If your child is allergic to Curosurf; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for your child to take Curosurf with all of his/her drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Curosurf?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking Curosurf. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Your child will be closely watched while taking Curosurf.
How is Curosurf best taken?
Give Curosurf as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- This medicine is given into the lungs with a tube.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.
What are the side effects of Curosurf that I need to call my doctor about immediately?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Slow heartbeat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
What are some other side effects of Curosurf?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if your child has any side effects that bother your child or do not go away.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If overdose is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Curosurf?
- If you need to store Curosurf at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
Label
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