Infasurf Side Effects

Generic name: calfactant

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Infasurf Side Effects associated with calfactant. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Infasurf.

Applies to calfactant: intratracheal suspension.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Your baby will receive this medication in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or similar hospital setting.

Calfactant is given directly into the baby's lungs through a breathing tube that is also connected to a ventilator (a machine that moves air in and out of the lungs to help your baby breathe easier and get enough oxygen).

Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with calfactant.

Calfactant causes few side effects. There is a possibility that the baby will have breathing difficulties during the calfactant (the active ingredient contained in Infasurf) treatment, and these problems may require further treatment by health care professionals. Your baby will remain under constant supervision during treatment with calfactant.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to calfactant: intratracheal suspension.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions, transient and not associated with serious complications or death, were cyanosis, airway obstruction, bradycardia, reflux of surfactant into the endotracheal tube, requirement for manual ventilation, and reintubation.

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Cyanosis (65%), patent ductus arteriosus (45%), bradycardia (34%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH, 7%), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL, 7%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Necrotizing enterocolitis (17%)

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Intracranial hemorrhage (36%), severe intracranial hemorrhage (12%)

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Sepsis (28%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Apnea (76%), airway obstruction (39%), reflux of surfactant into the endotracheal tube (21%), requirement for manual ventilation (16%), pulmonary air leaks (15%), pulmonary interstitial emphysema (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary hemorrhage (7%), reintubation (3%)^[Ref]

Further information

Infasurf side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer