See Available Brands of Human Albumin in India

P - Caution when used during pregnancy
L - Caution when used during lactation

Human serum albumin is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma. It is produced in the liver. Albumin comprises about half of the blood serum protein. It is soluble and monomeric.

The gene for albumin is located on chromosome 4 and mutations in this gene can result in various anomalous proteins. The human albumin gene is 16,961 nucleotides long from the putative 'cap' site to the first poly(A) addition site. It is split into 15 exons which are symmetrically placed within the 3 domains that are thought to have arisen by triplication of a single primordial domain.

Albumin is synthesized in the liver as preproalbumin which has an N-terminal peptide that is removed before the nascent protein is released from the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The product, proalbumin, is in turn cleaved in the Golgi vesicles to produce the secreted albumin.

The reference range for albumin concentrations in blood is 30 to 50 g/L. It has a serum half-life of approximately 20 days. It has a molecular mass of 67 kDa.

Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics

Human albumin increases intravascular oncotic pressure and causes movement of fluids from interstitial into intravascular space. Human albumin solutions are available in various concentrations. Solutions containing 5% human albumin are usually used in hypovolemic patients, whereas more concentrated 25% solutions are recommended in patients in whom fluid and sodium intake must be minimised e.g. patients with hypoproteinaemia or cerebral oedema or in paediatric patients.

Human Albumin Indications / Human Albumin Uses

Information Not Available

Human Albumin Adverse Reactions / Human Albumin Side Effects

Allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, fever and chills; vascular overload, haemodilution and pulmonary oedema.

Potentially Fatal: Anaphylactic shock.

Precautions

Information Not Available

Special Precautions

Hypertension or low cardiac reserve; additional fluids for dehydrated patients. Monitor for signs of cardiac overload in injured or postoperative patients. May carry risk of viral transmission. Volume admin and rate of infusion must always be individualised according to situation and response. Pregnancy, lactation.

Other Drug Interactions

Albumin solution should not be mixed by protein hydrolysates or alcoholic solutions. Risk of atypical reactions to ACE inhibitors in patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange with albumin human replacement.

Other Interactions

Information Not Available

Dosage

Intravenous
Acute hypovolaemic shock
Adult: Initially, 25 g of albumin, adjusted according to patient's response. Usual rates of infusion: Up to 5 ml/minute (5% solution) or 1-2 ml/minute (20% solution).
Child: Up to 1 g/kg, adjusted according to patient's response. Usual rates of infusion: Up to 5 ml/minute (5% solution) or 1-2 ml/minute (20% solution).

Intravenous
Hypoproteinaemia
Adult: Up to 2 g/kg daily. Usual rates of infusion: Up to 5 ml/minute (5% solution) or 1-2 ml/minute (20% solution).

Intravenous
Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia
Child: 1 g/kg of albumin before exchange transfusion. Usual rates of infusion: Up to 5 ml/minute (5% solution) or 1-2 ml/minute (20% solution).

Incompatibility
Dilution with water will produce a hypo-osmolar solution that may cause severe haemolysis and renal failure. Y-site admin: Midazolam, vancomycin, verapamil. Admixture: Verapamil.

Food(before/after)

Information Not Available

List of Contraindications

Human Albumin and Pregnancy

Caution when used during pregnancy

Human Albumin and Lactation

Caution when used during lactation

Human Albumin and Children

Data on the use of Albumin (Human) 25% in children including premature babies are very limited. The product should be administered to pediatric patients only if needed.

Human Albumin and Geriatic

Clinical studies did not include a sufficient number of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

Human Albumin and Other Contraindications

Cardiac failure, severe anaemia, history of hypersensitivity, parenteral nutrition.

Storage

Intravenous
Store below 30°C. Do not freeze.

Lab interference

False elevations of serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations may occur.