Beractant is used primarily for the prevention and treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature infants. It is often given within 15 minutes of birth in a life-saving effort. Beractant acts to lower the surface tension on alveolar surfaces during respiration, replenishes surfactant and restores surface activity to the lungs of these infants. This drug should be used with caution and only under the watchful eye of qualified physicians in a hospital setting.