ALBUTEIN 5% Infusion/Solution for

What is ALBUTEIN 5%

ALBUTEIN 5% is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of human albumin used intravenously for plasma volume expansion and protein replacement therapy. It contains 5% human albumin derived from pooled human plasma and is manufactured under rigorous viral inactivation steps to ensure safety.

• Classified as a colloidal plasma volume expander.
• Contains 50 g/L of albumin with sodium, potassium, and chloride adjusted to physiological levels.
• Used in various clinical situations, particularly when blood volume is significantly reduced or protein levels are critically low.
• Prepared from human plasma by cold ethanol fractionation and heat-treated for viral inactivation (e.g., hepatitis B, C, HIV).
• Available as a ready-to-use infusion in a 250ml glass vial with an administration kit.

ALBUTEIN 5% is typically used in hospital settings for patients requiring restoration of blood volume due to trauma, surgery, burns, or hypoalbuminemia (low blood albumin levels).

How to use ALBUTEIN 5%

How to Use ALBUTEIN 5%

ALBUTEIN 5% should be administered intravenously by qualified healthcare professionals under sterile conditions. Dosage and rate of infusion are tailored to the individual patient's needs based on the clinical scenario.

• Inspect the vial: Ensure the solution is clear to slightly opalescent; discard if turbid or contains particulate matter.
• Warm to room temperature before administration, if refrigerated.
• Use aseptic technique: Attach the provided infusion set using the designated kit to avoid contamination.
• Do not dilute with water for injection—hypotonic solutions may cause hemolysis.
• Infuse intravenously at a rate not exceeding 2 mL/min in adults unless otherwise indicated.
• Monitor vital signs: Blood pressure, heart rate, and pulmonary status should be assessed during and after the infusion.
• Adjust fluid intake/output accordingly to prevent fluid overload, especially in patients with cardiac or renal issues.

Always follow institutional guidelines and consult product literature or hospital pharmacy if any concerns arise about reconstitution or compatibility.

Mode of Action ALBUTEIN 5%

ALBUTEIN 5% works primarily through its ability to exert oncotic pressure, which helps maintain intravascular volume and transport various endogenous substances.

• Oncotic pressure: Albumin maintains plasma colloid osmotic pressure, drawing water into the blood vessels from surrounding tissues.
• Volume expansion: Especially effective in hypovolemia or shock, it helps restore circulating blood volume.
• Transport function: Albumin binds and transports hormones, fatty acids, drugs, bilirubin, and metal ions through the bloodstream.
• Buffer capacity: Albumin contributes to acid-base balance as it can bind hydrogen ions.
• Antioxidant activity: Due to thiol groups, albumin can scavenge free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress.

The physiological effects of ALBUTEIN 5% are rapid and typically last several hours, depending on the patient’s condition and the extent of fluid loss.

ALBUTEIN 5% Interactions ALBUTEIN 5%

ALBUTEIN 5% has limited pharmacological interactions due to its natural human protein origin; however, caution is warranted in specific scenarios:

• ACE Inhibitors: Risk of hypotension increases if given shortly before or during albumin infusion. Withhold ACE inhibitors temporarily if necessary.
• Loop diuretics: Concurrent use with high albumin doses may potentiate diuresis, requiring close fluid balance monitoring.
• Calcium-containing IV solutions: Avoid co-administration due to the risk of precipitation or protein denaturation.
• Blood products: May be administered concurrently with other blood components like packed red cells or plasma, but via separate IV lines.
• Vaccines: As a blood product, consider that immunologic response to vaccines may be altered temporarily.

Although ALBUTEIN 5% is generally safe when used properly, inform the care team about all medications and supplements the patient is receiving to avoid potential complications.

Dosage of ALBUTEIN 5%

Dosage should be individualized based on the patient’s clinical condition, body weight, plasma albumin levels, and hemodynamic parameters.

• Hypovolemia: Initial dose may range from 250–500 mL (1 to 2 vials), administered over 1–2 hours.
• Burns: Administer 0.5–1 g/kg body weight (approx. 10–20 mL/kg) over 24 hours in combination with other fluids.
• Hypoalbuminemia: 1–2 g/kg/day or as guided by albumin concentration and clinical response.
• Cardiopulmonary bypass or acute nephrosis: Dosing varies and is based on fluid management goals.
• Pediatric dosing: Generally 0.5–1 g/kg depending on indication and response.

Note: Avoid exceeding 2 mL/min infusion rate in adults. Always reassess blood pressure, central venous pressure, and fluid output during treatment.

Possible side effects of ALBUTEIN 5%

ALBUTEIN 5% is generally well-tolerated, but like all biologic products, it can cause side effects, ranging from mild to serious reactions.

• Common (mild):
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Chills or flushing
  • Fever
• Less Common (moderate):
  • Increased blood pressure or heart rate
  • Edema
  • Urticaria (hives)
  • Back pain or muscle cramps during infusion
• Serious (rare):
  • Anaphylactic shock or hypersensitivity
  • Fluid overload leading to pulmonary edema
  • Thromboembolic events in predisposed individuals

Immediate medical attention is required if any signs of allergy, difficulty breathing, or sudden chest discomfort occur during infusion.

ALBUTEIN 5% Contraindications ALBUTEIN 5%

ALBUTEIN 5% should not be used in certain clinical situations where it may worsen the patient's condition or lead to serious complications.

• Severe anemia: In cases where there is reduced red cell mass, using albumin without red blood cell transfusion may worsen oxygen delivery.
• Cardiac failure with normal or increased intravascular volume: Risk of fluid overload and pulmonary edema.
• Known hypersensitivity: To human albumin or any of the excipients in the formulation.
• Hypervolemia: Particularly in patients with renal impairment or hepatic cirrhosis where fluid balance is already compromised.
• Severe dehydration: Albumin should not be used in place of appropriate electrolyte or fluid replacement therapy.

Before administration, assess patient-specific risk factors and contraindications carefully to prevent complications.

Storage of ALBUTEIN 5%

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the integrity and sterility of ALBUTEIN 5%.

• Temperature: Store between 2°C and 25°C. Do not freeze.
• Light protection: Keep in the original packaging to protect from light.
• Do not use after expiry: Check the vial’s label for expiration date before use.
• Single-use only: Discard any unused portion immediately after opening.
• Handling: Avoid shaking the vial vigorously, which may denature proteins.

Always follow your institution's storage protocols and check for any visual signs of contamination or damage before use.