1. Beractant
Drugbank ID : DB06761

2. Description :
Beractant is a pulmonary surfactant used for the treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature infants. Considered a natural source of surfactant as it is made from bovine lung extract, beractant contains a mixture of phospholipids, neutral lipids, fatty acids, and surfactant-associated proteins such as SP-B and SP-C. The final composition provides 25 mg/mL phospholipids (including mg/mL disaturated phosphatidylcholine), mg/mL triglycerides, mg/mL free fatty acids, and less than 1.0 mg/mL protein. It is suspended in 0.9% sodium chloride solution, and heat-sterilized. In anticipation of birth, endogenous lung surfactant is produced to lower the surface tension on alveolar surfaces and to stabilize the alveoli against collapse at resting transpulmonary pressures. However, in Respiratory Distress Syndrome, developmental deficiency of surfactant results collapse of the alveoli causing fast breathing, increased heart rate, apoxia, and sometimes death. Administration of lung surfactant remains the cornerstone of therapy in this condition that is currently the leading cause of death in preterm infants. In comparison to synthetic forms of surfacant, natural forms such as Beractant have been found to have a reduced incidence of pneumothorax and reduced mortality.

3. Indication : Pharmacodynamics :
Beractant is indicated for prevention and treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature infants.
Pharmacodynamics :
In vitro, Beractant reproducibly lowers minimum surface tension to less than 8 dynes/cm as measured by the pulsating bubble surfactometer and Wilhelmy Surface Balance. In situ, it restores pulmonary compliance to excised rat lungs artificially made surfactant-deficient. In vivo, single doses improve lung pressure-volume measurements, lung compliance, and oxygenation in premature rabbits and sheep.

4. Mechanism of action :
Beractant replenishes lung surfactant and restores surface activity to the lungs by lowering surface tension on alveolar surfaces during respiration and stabilizing the alveoli against collapse at resting transpulmonary pressures.

5. Pale skin; slow heartbeat; breathing that stops; urinating less than usual; or
Bretylium may increase the bradycardic activities of Beractant; Beractant may increase the bradycardic activities of Ceritinib; Esmolol may increase the bradycardic activities of Beractant; Beractant may increase the bradycardic activities of Ivabradine; Beractant may increase the atrioventricular blocking (AV block) activities of Lacosamide; Octreotide may increase the bradycardic activities of Beractant; Ruxolitinib may increase the bradycardic activities of Beractant; Tofacitinib may increase the bradycardic activities of Beractant.

6. References : http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB06761