Hypovolemia: For restoration and maintenance of circulating blood volume where volume deficiency is demonstrated and colloid use is appropriate.

Hypoalbuminemia: Human albumin is indicated for severe albumin deficiency caused by illness or active bleeding ... Read more

Hypovolemia: For restoration and maintenance of circulating blood volume where volume deficiency is demonstrated and colloid use is appropriate.

Hypoalbuminemia: Human albumin is indicated for severe albumin deficiency caused by illness or active bleeding. When albumin deficiency results from excessive protein loss, the effect of albumin administration will be temporary unless the underlying disorder is reversed.

Prevention of Central Volume Depletion after Paracentesis due to Cirrhotic Ascites: Human albumin is indicated for maintenance of cardiovascular function following the removal of large volumes of ascitic fluid due to cirrhosis.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Human albumin is indicated as a plasma expander in the fluid management of severe forms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Human albumin is indicated in conjunction with diuretics to correct fluid volume overload associated with ARDS.

Burns: Human albumin is indicated after >24 hours post burn in patients experiencing severe albumin depletion in order to favor edema reabsorption.

Hemodialysis: Human albumin is indicated in patients undergoing long term dialysis or for those patients who are fluid-overloaded and cannot tolerate substantial volumes of salt solution for therapy of shock or hypotension.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Human albumin is indicated in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures as part of the priming fluids.

Dosage & Administration

Hypovolemia:  Adults Initial dose of 25 g is suggested. Pediatric dosage should be adjusted based upon on age, weight and clinical conditions.

Hypoalbuminemia: 50-75 g

Prevention of Central Volume Depletion after Paracentesis due to Cirrhotic Ascites: 6-8 g for every 1000 mL of ascitic fluid removed

OHSS Adults: Adults 50-100 g over 4 hours and repeated at 4-12 hour intervals as necessary. 10-50 g: single infusion

ARDS: Adults 25 g over 30 minutes and repeated at 8 hours for 3 days if necessary.

Burns: The amount of albumin required to achieve adequate plasma volume and protein content should be determined by direct observation of vital signs or measurement of either plasma oncotic pressure or protein content

Hemodialysis: 100 ml

Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Required dose can be estimated from the difference between the desired and actual total serum protein concentration multiplied by the estimated plasma volume (approximately 40 mL per kg) times 2 (to account for extravascular deficit, which absorbs about half of the administered dose).

Interaction

Human albumin should not be mixed with other medicinal products including blood and blood components, but can be administered concomitantly with other parenterals such as whole blood, plasma, saline, glucose or sodium lactate when medically necessary. Human albumin should not be mixed with protein hydrolysates or solutions containing alcohol since these combinations may cause protein precipitation.

Contraindications

Human albumin is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to albumin, excipients used in its formulation, or components of the container.  Human albumin is also contraindicated in severely anemic patients and in patients with heart failure.

Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions include flushing, urticaria, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia and hypotension. These reactions normally disappear when the infusion rate is slowed or stopped. If a severe reaction such as shock or anaphylaxis occurs, the infusion should be stopped and appropriate treatment initiated.

Precautions & Warnings

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.

Overdose Effects

Hypervolemia may occur if the dosage and rate of infusion are too high. At the first clinical sign of circulatory overload, e.g. headache, dyspnea, jugular venous congestion, increased blood pressure, raised central venous pressure, or pulmonary edema, the infusion should be stopped and hemodynamic parameters carefully monitored. Additionally, diuresis or cardiac output should be increased in accordance with the severity of the clinical situation.

Therapeutic Class

Plasma expanders

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.