A special medicine given to premature babies for breathing difficulties (Beractant Intratracheal Suspension)

It's very normal for a mother or father to feel very scared and worried when the doctor tells them that their baby is having trouble breathing. Especially before the baby is full, that is, premature babies can have this kind of breathing difficulty. So today we are talking about a valuable, life-saving medicine that doctors use to help the baby's lungs and make the breathing process easier.

Simply put, what is Beractant?

This is not a medicine that we usually drink or inject. This is a very special medicine. Medically speaking, this medicine belongs to the group called surfactants .

Imagine, inside our lungs there are tiny balloon-like structures that fill with air. We call these air sacs `(Alveoli)`. In properly developed lungs, these air sacs have a naturally occurring slippery fluid inside them. This is why when we breathe in and out, these tiny air sacs open and close easily without sticking.

But because premature babies' lungs are not fully developed, this natural fluid is not produced, or is not produced in sufficient quantity. This causes the air sacs to stick together when the baby exhales. When the baby breathes in again, the baby has to work very hard to open these stuck air sacs. This is what we call Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) .

So Beractant is a synthetic medicine that is similar to that naturally occurring fluid. When it is injected into the baby's lungs, it coats the air sacs and stops them from sticking together. Then the baby can breathe easily and without much effort. This medicine is most commonly known by the brand name `(Survanta)`.

Is there anything I should tell the doctor before giving this medicine to the baby?

Yes, absolutely. Even if this medicine is given to a baby, it is very important that you, as a parent, provide the medical team with the information you know.

• Allergies: This medicine is made using animal products (beef products), so it is important to inform your doctor if your baby has any severe allergies to these products. Also, tell your doctor if your baby has any allergies to any other medicines, foods, or dyes.
• Other medications: If your baby is currently taking any other medications (especially inhaled antibiotics), you should definitely tell the doctor about that as well.

How do you give this medicine to a baby?

This is not a take-home medication. It is only given in the hospital by doctors and nursing staff in an intensive care unit (NICU/SCBU).

The baby may be connected to a ventilator because of difficulty breathing. Doctors deliver this medicine directly to the lungs through a tube connected to the breathing tube (endotracheal tube).

During and after this procedure, everything from the baby's heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure are monitored very closely by machines and the medical team. So the baby is very safe.

What happens if the dose of the medicine is increased?

Since this is done in a hospital, under the supervision of specialist doctors, the likelihood of mistaking the medication is very low. The most accurate dosage is calculated based on the baby's weight.

However, it is good to know what to do if you overdose on any medicine. Usually, in such cases, we seek advice from the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

But if you have any doubts while giving medicine to a baby in a hospital like this, the best and quickest thing to do is to talk to the doctor or nurse who is there right away.

Are there any side effects to watch out for?

Yes, like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. But don't worry, the medical team taking care of your baby is always on the lookout for these symptoms. As a parent, it's good for you to be aware of these as well.

This list includes the most common things that can happen. In addition, if you notice anything else unusual about your baby's body, don't be afraid to ask your doctor about it.