5% Off
Human Albumin20%
International Agencies (Bd.) Limited
৳3562.50
Out Of Stock
Generic medicine
Albumin: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Albumin is a human plasma-derived protein solution used for intravenous volume replacement and correction of low blood albumin levels.
About Albumin
Indications of Albumin
Albumin is a human plasma-derived protein solution used for intravenous volume replacement and correction of low blood albumin levels. Its indications differ in strength of evidence:
Established / guideline-supported uses
- Hypovolemia and shock: emergency volume replacement to restore and maintain circulating blood volume when a colloid is indicated (e.g., after significant blood loss, in critically ill patients where crystalloids have not achieved or maintained the desired hemodynamic response).
- Large-volume paracentesis in cirrhosis with ascites: guideline-directed use of Albumin to prevent post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction when more than 5 litres of ascitic fluid is removed.
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients: adjunct to antibiotic therapy (used together with antibiotics, not as monotherapy) to reduce the risk of renal impairment and improve survival.
- Hepatorenal syndrome: adjunct used together with vasoconstrictor therapy (e.g., terlipressin) as part of guideline-directed combination management.
Adjunct / supportive uses
- Burns (after the initial 24 hours): as an adjunct to crystalloid resuscitation in selected patients with major burns, once initial capillary permeability has begun to stabilize.
- Priming solution for cardiopulmonary bypass during open-heart surgery.
- Therapeutic plasma exchange (plasmapheresis): as a replacement fluid.
- Nephrotic syndrome with diuretic-resistant, severe edema: short-term adjunct with diuretics in selected refractory cases, under specialist supervision.
Use of Albumin should be guided by clinical assessment of intravascular volume status and, where relevant, serum albumin levels, rather than by serum albumin concentration alone.
Dosage & Administration of Albumin
Dosage and infusion rate of Albumin must be individualized according to the indication, the patient's hemodynamic status, and response to treatment, under close medical supervision.
| Indication | Typical adult dosing guidance |
|---|---|
| Hypovolemic shock | 5% solution initially; dose titrated to hemodynamic response (blood pressure, urine output, central venous pressure) |
| Large-volume paracentesis (>5 L ascitic fluid) | Approximately 6–8 g of Albumin (as 20–25% solution) per litre of ascitic fluid removed beyond 5 L |
| Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (adjunct) | Approximately 1.5 g/kg on day 1, then 1 g/kg on day 3, given with antibiotics |
| Hypoalbuminemia (e.g., nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis with ascites) | 20–25% solution, dose and frequency individualized to serum albumin and volume status |
Renal/hepatic impairment: no specific dose adjustment formula is established; however, Albumin should be used cautiously and with closer monitoring of fluid balance in patients with renal impairment or oliguria/anuria, and in hepatic impairment with a tendency to fluid retention, due to increased risk of fluid overload.
Side Effects of Albumin
Most reactions to Albumin are mild and infusion-related. Reported side effects include:
- Chills, fever, flushing
- Urticaria (hives), rash, pruritus
- Nausea, vomiting
- Hypotension or, less commonly, hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Headache
- Rare but serious: anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, and fluid overload/pulmonary edema with rapid or excessive infusion (see Precautions and Warnings).
Contraindications of Albumin
Albumin is contraindicated in patients with:
- Known history of severe hypersensitivity (including anaphylactic) reactions to Albumin or any component of the specific product.
- Severe anemia or cardiac failure in the presence of normal or increased intravascular volume, because of the risk of precipitating fluid overload and cardiac decompensation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Albumin
What is Albumin used for?
Albumin is used mainly to expand blood volume in shock or significant fluid loss, to treat certain cases of low blood albumin (hypoalbuminemia), and as part of specific treatments such as large-volume paracentesis in liver cirrhosis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and plasma exchange procedures.
Is Albumin safe, since it comes from human plasma?
Albumin is manufactured from carefully screened plasma donations and undergoes viral inactivation steps to minimize risk. However, as with any plasma-derived product, there remains a very small, theoretical risk of transmitting infectious agents, including agents not yet identified. Your physician will only recommend Albumin when the benefits outweigh this risk.
Can Albumin cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. Although uncommon, Albumin can cause hypersensitivity reactions ranging from mild chills, fever, and hives to rare but serious anaphylactic reactions. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you notice itching, rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling during or after infusion.
Can Albumin be given during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Albumin has not been formally studied in pregnancy or lactation, but it is used when clearly medically necessary under a physician's supervision, with the potential benefit weighed against any potential risk. It should not be self-administered or used without medical advice during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What happens if too much Albumin is given too quickly?
Infusing Albumin too quickly or in excessive amounts can overload the circulation, causing symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath, and swelling of neck veins, and in severe cases pulmonary edema or heart failure. This is treated as a medical emergency, so infusion is closely monitored by trained staff and stopped immediately if such symptoms occur.
Can children receive Albumin?
Yes, Albumin is used in children, including newborns, for similar indications as in adults, but dosing is individualized to body weight and the child's condition, and it is given only under specialist medical supervision, since safety and efficacy have not been established through large controlled pediatric trials.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.