Colfosceril palmitate

Colfosceril palmitate is a synthetic pulmonary surfactant used primarily for the treatment and prevention of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants. It was developed by Burroughs Wellcome and received FDA approval in 1990. The drug acts by replacing deficient or ineffective endogenous lung surfactant, reducing surface tension at the air-liquid interface of alveoli, thereby stabilizing alveoli against collapse and improving lung compliance. This mechanism helps prevent complications such as pneumothorax and reduces mortality associated with RDS. Colfosceril palmitate was marketed under the brand name Exosurf but is no longer available in some markets[1][2][3][4][6][7].

Brand names

ExosurfExosurf Neonatal

Other names

dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine[2-({[2,3-bis(hexadecanoyloxy)propyl] phosphonato}oxy)ethyl]trimethylazanium