Surfaxin Side Effects

Generic name: lucinactant

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 27, 2023.

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

Applies to lucinactant: intratracheal suspension.

Serious side effects of Surfaxin

Along with its needed effects, lucinactant (the active ingredient contained in Surfaxin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lucinactant:

More common

• bluish lips or skin
• cough
• coughing up blood
• fast heartbeat
• fever or chills
• pale skin
• rapid, shallow breathing
• shortness of breath
• slow heartbeat
• sneezing
• troubled breathing
• wheezing

Incidence not known

• blue or white in color
• heart may stop
• no oxygen to lungs
• patient unresponsive

Other side effects of Surfaxin

Some side effects of lucinactant may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• clay-colored stools
• coma
• convulsions
• dark urine
• decreased urine output
• fruit-like breath odor
• loss of appetite
• rapid, deep breathing
• rash
• restlessness
• sweating
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• vomiting of blood
• yellow eyes or skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lucinactant: intratracheal suspension.

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Patent ductus arteriosus (up to 43%), hypotension (at least 10%), bradycardia (at least 10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pallor (up to 10%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Necrotizing enterocolitis (up to 17%)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (at least 10%)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Jaundice (at least 10%)

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Metabolic acidosis (at least 10%), hyperglycemia (at least 10%), hyponatremia (at least 10%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Intraventricular hemorrhage (up to 52%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Periventricular leukomalacia (up to 10%)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Retinopathy of prematurity (up to 32%)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Acquired sepsis (up to 45%)

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Apnea (up to 66%), endotracheal tube reflux (up to 27%), endotracheal tube obstruction (up to 16%), pulmonary air leak (up to 15%), oxygen desaturation (at least 10%), pneumonia (at least 10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pulmonary hemorrhage (up to 10%), respiratory acidosis (up to 10%), pulmonary interstitial emphysema (up to 9%), pneumothorax (up to 4%)^[Ref]

Further information

Surfaxin 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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer