albumin IV

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:  

albumin is a protein commonly used as an intravenous therapy. Its main action is to increase the blood vessels’ oncotic pressure, which helps draw fluid back into the bloodstream from the surrounding tissues. albumin also binds and transports various substances, including hormones, enzymes, and drugs.  

The spectrum of albumin IV is broad including: 

Hypovolemia: albumin is used to treat patients with low blood volume due to dehydration, hemorrhage, or other causes. 

Burns: albumin can help replace lost fluid and protein in patients with severe burns.  

Liver disease: albumin can help improve liver function in patients with liver disease.  

Nephrotic syndrome: albumin can help reduce edema and improve renal function in patients with nephrotic syndrome.  

Plasmapheresis: albumin is used as a replacement fluid during plasmapheresis, a procedure in which blood is filtered to remove harmful substances.  

Cardiopulmonary bypass: albumin is used as a priming solution in cardiopulmonary bypass surgery to maintain blood volume and prevent hypotension. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Nausea 

Flushing 

vomiting 

Urticaria 

Hypotension 

Fever 

Chills 

Tachycardia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

The black box warning for albumin IV pertains to the potential risk of transmitting infectious agents, including viruses, that may be present in the product. The warning cautions that albumin IV is made from human plasma, which can contain infectious agents that have the potential to cause diseases.

Although measures such as screening plasma donors for prior exposure to certain viruses, testing for current virus infections, and inactivating and/or removing certain viruses during manufacturing have reduced the risk of transmission, there is still a possibility of transmitting disease through such products. Additionally, there may be unidentified infectious agents in these products. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:   

Hypersensitivity: Patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to albumin should not receive this treatment as it can cause severe allergic reactions.  

Severe Heart Failure: albumin IV should not be used in patients with severe heart failure, as it can lead to increased fluid accumulation and further worsening of the heart failure.  

Severe Anemia: Patients with severe anemia or other blood disorders should not receive albumin IV, as it can interfere with blood transfusion and lead to complications.  

Liver and Kidney Disease: Patients with liver and kidney disease should not receive albumin IV, as it can increase the risk of fluid overload and edema.  

Dehydration: Patients with dehydration should not receive albumin IV, as it can further deplete the fluid volume and worsen the condition.  

Increased Intracranial Pressure: albumin IV should not be used in patients with increased intracranial pressure, as it can lead to increased brain edema and further neurological complications. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

albumin IV is a sterile, clear, and colorless solution that is prepared from pooled human plasma. It contains approximately 99% albumin, with a molecular weight of approximately 69,000 daltons. albumin IV is available in various concentrations, such as 5%, 20%, and 25%. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

albumin IV exhibits pharmacodynamic effects by scavenging free radicals and other reactive oxygen species present in the bloodstream. This can help to protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation. 

Overall, albumin IV is a useful medication for treating conditions that are associated with low blood volume and low blood pressure, such as hypovolemia, shock, and sepsis. It can also be used as a volume expander during surgery or in other situations where blood loss may occur.  

MOA:  

albumin IV works primarily by increasing the oncotic pressure in the bloodstream. The oncotic pressure is the pressure exerted by the plasma proteins, mainly albumin, to retain the fluid within the blood vessels. albumin IV is a large molecule, and it cannot easily pass through the blood vessel walls into the surrounding tissues.  

Pharmacokinetics:  

Absorption:  

Since albumin IV is administered intravenously, it bypasses the process of absorption, as it is directly infused into the bloodstream.  

Distribution:  

albumin IV has a molecular weight of approximately 66.5 kDa and is a highly soluble protein. It circulates in the plasma and can readily distribute to the interstitial fluid and extracellular space. albumin IV has a half-life of approximately 19 days, and it is distributed throughout the body and can reach tissues and organs.  

Metabolism:  

As a protein, albumin undergoes catabolism to form smaller peptides and amino acids in the body. The liver is primarily responsible for the metabolism of albumin, where it is broken down into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can then be used by the body for various functions.  

Excretion and elimination: 

 albumin IV and its metabolites are excreted primarily by the kidneys, but other pathways such as bile and gastrointestinal tract may also play a role. The exact excretion pathway may depend on the dose and duration of administration. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Dosage: The dosage of albumin IV depends on the patient’s weight, medical condition, and other factors. The typical dose ranges from 5 to 25 grams and is usually administered over a period of 15 to 30 minutes.  

Preparation: The medication comes in a sterile solution and should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discoloration before administration. It should also be stored at room temperature and protected from light.  

Administration: albumin IV is administered through a sterile intravenous catheter, usually in a hospital or clinical setting. The catheter should be flushed with saline before and after administration to prevent clotting.  

Monitoring: Patients should be closely monitored during and after the infusion for signs of adverse reactions, such as fever, chills, itching, shortness of breath, or chest pain. In some cases, a test dose may be administered before the full dose to check for allergic reactions. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: albumin IV 

Why do we use albumin IV?  

Fluid replacement: albumin can be used to replace lost fluids in the blood, such as in patients with severe dehydration, burns, or major surgery.  

Hypoalbuminemia: A decrease in albumin levels in the blood can be observed in several conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and malnutrition. Intravenous administration of albumin can aid in raising the albumin levels and enhancing the overall health condition.  

Ascites: IV albumin is sometimes used to treat ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen due to liver disease.  

Shock: In cases of severe shock, IV albumin can be used to help increase blood volume and improve circulation.