Other Brands/Names

Albapure 20 g, Albuman 200 G/L, Albumin-Human, Albuminar, Alburaas, Albutein, Octalbin, Robumin.

How it Works

Albumin is the primary protein found in human blood. Its main function is to increase the concentration of blood, which causes fluid from outside the blood vessels to move into them, helping restore blood pressure and volume. For this reason, albumin is often used in emergencies, such as when patients lose large amounts of blood or body fluids, a condition known as hypovolemic shock.

Albumin is available in solutions with different concentrations, such as 5% or 25%. The more concentrated form (25%) is typically used for patients who must limit their fluid and sodium intake, such as those with hypoproteinemia (low protein levels), cerebral edema (swelling of the brain), or certain pediatric patients.

Indications

• Acute hypovolemic shock

• Hypoproteinemia

• Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (high bilirubin levels in newborns, characterized by symptoms of yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Contraindications

• A history of allergy to albumin

• Severe anemia

• Heart failure

Side Effects

Possible side effects from albumin administration include nausea, vomiting, excessive saliva, fever, chills, blood thinning, and pulmonary edema. A serious and potentially life-threatening side effect is anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction.

Types

Albumin is available as infusion solutions of 20 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, or 250 ml, with concentrations of 5%, 20%, and 25%.

Dosage

• Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Children: 1 g/kg albumin before transfusion. Infusion rate: up to 5 ml/minute (5% solution) or 1–2 ml/minute (20% solution).

• Hypoproteinemia

Adults: Up to 2 g/kg daily. Infusion rate: up to 5 ml/minute (5% solution) or 1–2 ml/minute (20% solution).

• Acute Hypovolemic Shock

Adults: Initial dose of 25 g albumin, adjusted according to the patient’s response. Infusion rate: up to 5 ml/minute (5% solution) or 1–2 ml/minute (20% solution).

Children: Up to 1 g/kg, adjusted based on patient response. Infusion rate: up to 5 ml/minute (5% solution) or 1–2 ml/minute (20% solution).

Safety

Albumin should be given with caution and under close monitoring, particularly in patients with:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Dehydration requiring additional fluid therapy

• Injury or those recovering from surgery, to watch for signs of cardiac overload

Other important safety considerations:

• Albumin carries a risk of viral transmission.

• The infusion rate and volume should always be tailored to the patient’s condition and response.

• Pregnancy: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but no adequate studies exist in humans. Use only if the potential benefit outweighs the risks. This should be consulted with a doctor.

• Breastfeeding women: It is unknown whether albumin passes into breast milk. Consult a doctor before use.

Drug Interactions

• Albumin solution should not be mixed with protein hydrolysates or alcohol-based solutions.

• Concurrent use with ACE inhibitors (medications for high blood pressure) should be avoided, as this combination may cause severe and potentially fatal side effects.

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