What it does
Beractant is a medicine used to help newborns with breathing difficulties, particularly those born prematurely.
Commonly used for: respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), breathing problems in premature babies
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority · fetched 2026-03-11 23:42:26 · updated 2026-10-19 03:00:45
About this medicine
Beractant is a medicine used to help newborns with breathing difficulties, particularly those born prematurely.
What it treats
- respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
- breathing problems in premature babies
How it works
Beractant works by replacing missing substances in the lungs that help keep the airways open and make breathing easier.
Who it's for
This medicine is specifically for premature infants who have trouble breathing.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Beractant
BNF-referencedBeractant is a pulmonary surfactant used to treat and prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm neonates. It helps reduce surface tension in the alveoli, thus improving lung function and oxygenation.
Indications
- Treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates
- Prophylaxis of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates
Dosage
Children: Preterm neonate: 100 mg/kg, preferably administered within 15 minutes of birth; dose may be repeated within 48 hours at intervals of at least 6 hours for up to 4 doses.
Mechanism of action
Beractant acts by reducing the surface tension at the air-liquid interface in the alveoli, thereby preventing alveolar collapse and enhancing lung compliance, which improves gas exchange.
Pharmacodynamics
Beractant is composed of phospholipids, primarily dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, which are critical for the formation and maintenance of the alveolar surfactant layer. Its administration leads to improved pulmonary function and gas exchange in neonates with RDS.
Pharmacokinetics
Beractant is administered via an endotracheal tube, where it spreads across the alveolar surface. It is metabolized through pulmonary clearance mechanisms, with a half-life dependent on the clinical condition of the neonate and the extent of surfactant replacement.
Adverse effects
- Respiratory depression
- Skin sensitisation
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
Precautions
- Use under specialist supervision
Pregnancy
Consult product literature for specific advice.
Breast-feeding
Consult product literature for specific advice.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.
Formulations
- Beractant 25 mg per 1 ml endotracheopulmonary suspension
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
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