Surfaxin Side Effects

Generic name: lucinactant

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 2, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about lucinactant. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply 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]