The disclosure provides a drug composition formulated for inhalation comprising a conjugate of a surface active agent and a pulmonary active drug. The surface active agent has an affinity for the human alveolar/gas interface and comprises at least a portion of a mammalian lung surfactant of a mimic thereof. The disclosure also provides a method of treating a subject suffering from or at risk of suffering from a lung disease comprising administering to the subject a conjugate comprising a drug for lung treatment and a surface active agent by inhalation in an amount effective to induce a drug effect in the lungs.