human albumin at a glance
Medicine class
Plasma substitute and plasma protein fraction.
Licensed role
Restores and maintains circulating blood volume when volume deficiency is demonstrated and a colloid is appropriate.
Administration
Given by intravenous infusion under clinical supervision.
Source
Manufactured from pooled human plasma using donor screening and pathogen-reduction measures.
What is human albumin used for?
Selected products are licensed for:
Restoring and maintaining circulating blood volume when volume deficiency is demonstrated and a colloid is appropriate.
How does human albumin work?
Albumin contributes to the oncotic pressure that keeps fluid within the circulation, helping expand and stabilise circulating blood volume. It also naturally carries hormones, enzymes and some medicines.
human albumin preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 50 g/L, 200 g/L
How to take human albumin
A healthcare professional administers human albumin into a vein. The solution must not be used if cloudy or containing deposits. Albumin must not be diluted with water for injections, and product-specific mixing instructions must be followed.
Food does not affect an intravenous albumin infusion.
Tell staff about previous reactions to albumin and conditions in which excess fluid could be hazardous.
The product name and batch number should be recorded for traceability.
human albumin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Flushing, hives or itching; these mild reactions are reported rarely with some products.
- Fever or chills.
- Nausea.
- Changes in blood pressure, fast heartbeat, dizziness or feeling cold have been reported; frequency may be unknown.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis, including bronchospasm, shock or collapse.
- Circulatory overload or pulmonary oedema, which may cause marked breathlessness and raised blood pressure.
human albumin in pregnancy
Controlled pregnancy studies are unavailable. Clinical experience has not suggested harm to pregnancy or the baby, and albumin is a normal component of human blood. Use should be based on a clinician’s assessment of clinical need.
human albumin while breastfeeding
It is uncertain whether infused albumin enters breast milk. Alburex product information does not expect treatment to pose a risk to a breastfed infant because albumin is a normal human blood protein, but individual circumstances should be considered.
human albumin interactions
No specific pharmacological interactions are known, but compatibility during infusion remains important.
Other intravenous medicines
Do not mix in the same container unless the product information confirms compatibility.
Whole blood or packed red cells
Human albumin must not be mixed directly with these blood products.
Common questions about human albumin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is human albumin made from?
It is purified albumin protein manufactured from pooled plasma donated by people.
Is human albumin the same as a blood transfusion?
No. It is a plasma-derived medicinal product rather than a transfused blood component such as red cells or platelets.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.