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Introduction About ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION contains Human albumin that belongs to the group of medicines called Plasma expanders. It is used to restore and maintain blood volume in hypovolemia (reduced blood volume in the circulatory system or extracellular fluid of the body, characterized by symptoms such as sweating, light-headedness, confusion, fatigue or decreased blood pressure).
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION is also used to manage hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin protein that's responsible for keeping fluid in your blood vessels) in burns, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and nephrosis (excess protein in urine). ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION can also be used during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (a blood disorder in a new-born).
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION is not recommended for use if you have severe anemia or heart failure with normal or increased intravascular volume. Before receiving ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION, inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, enlarged veins in the gut, water on the lungs, tendency to bleed or decreased or no urine production.
Your doctor will monitor you to check your circulatory situation with the electrolyte balance and blood volume. ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women so, consult your doctor before receiving it. Your doctor will decide a proper dose of ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION for your child based on their body weight.
The most common side effects of receiving ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION are anaphylactoid type reactions (skin reactions like hives, itching and flushed or pale skin, low blood pressure, wheezing and trouble breathing, a weak and rapid pulse). Call your doctor if any of the symptoms get worse over time.
Uses Of ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION
Used to manage
- hypovolemia
- hypoalbuminemia in burns, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and nephrosis
- cardiopulmonary bypass surgery
- Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn
How ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION Works
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION contains human albumin which has properties that are equivalent to the normal human plasma in equal quantities. It works by increasing the circulating plasma volume by an amount approximately equal to the volume infused. The infused albumin stays for longer hours in the body and takes less time in bringing blood volume to normal levels.
How to use ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the vein. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION
Common
- anaphylactoid type reactions (skin reactions like hives, itching and flushed or pale skin, low blood pressure, wheezing and trouble breathing, a weak and rapid pulse)
Rare
- flushing
- nettle rash
- fever
- nausea
- low blood pressure
Stop receiving ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION and contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
- severe reactions like shock
- cardiovascular overload (headache, difficulty breathing, a fluid build-up in a neck vein, increased blood or vein pressure, water on the lungs)
How To Manage Side Effects
Nausea:
Take regular sips of a cold drink. Have ginger or peppermint tea. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. If symptom persists, contact your doctor.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION should be used with caution in women who are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Consult your doctor before receiving it.

Breastfeeding
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Consult your doctor before receiving it.

Driving and Using Machines
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION has no known effects on the ability to drive or use machines. Consult your doctor for advice.

Kidney
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION is not recommended for use in patients with chronic kidney insufficiencies due to the potential for accumulations of aluminium. ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION should be used with caution in patients having renal and post-renal anuria (decreased or no urine production). Consult your doctor before receiving it.

Allergy
Do not receive ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION if you are allergic to albumin preparations or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Lungs
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION is not recommended for use in patients with pulmonary edema (presence of excess fluid in the lungs). Consult your doctor before receiving it.

Heart Disease
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION is not recommended for use in patients suffering from heart failure with normal or increased intravascular volume. ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure. Consult your doctor before receiving it.
Others
Before receiving ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION, inform your doctor if you:
- have oesophageal varices (enlarged veins in the gut)
- have haemorrhagic diathesis (tendency to bleed abnormally or spontaneously)
- have severe anaemia (reduced red blood cells)
Use in Paediatrics:
Your child’s doctor will adjust the dose of ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION based on child’s age and body weight. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.
Use in Geriatrics:
There is no proper information about the use of ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION in elderly patients. Consult your doctor before receiving it.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug Interactions:
Before receiving ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION, inform your doctor if you are taking, have taken or might take any other medicine, including prescription, non-prescription or any herbal medicine.
Overdosage:
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION will be given to you only by a doctor or nurse in a hospital and so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Human albumin |
Pharmacological Category | : | Plasma expanders |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Hypovolemia |
Dosage Forms | : | Injection, Infusion, Solution, PFS |
More Information
- Keep ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION out of reach in children
- Store ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION at room temperature
FAQs About ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION
Can ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION be given to infants?
The safety of ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION has been demonstrated in children provided the dose is appropriate for body weight. Consult your child’s doctor for advice. The doctor will decide a proper dose or select a suitable alternative management for your child.
What happens if you take more ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION than your required dose?
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION will be given to you only by a doctor or nurse in a hospital and so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, if you experience anything unusual like headache, difficulty breathing, a fluid build-up in a neck vein, increased blood or vein pressure, water on the lungs (symptoms of overdose), consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
What if I miss a dose of ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION?
Please stick to the prescribed schedule as agreed with your doctor for optimal efficacy of ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION management. Tell your doctor whenever you miss any dose.
Can I stop receiving ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION on my own?
Continue receiving ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION until your doctor tells you to stop, unless you experience any unwanted effects, worsening of your condition or any new symptoms. Contact your doctor in such situation.
Is ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION safe to use in pregnancy?
ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION should be used with caution in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning for a baby, contact your doctor before taking it. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during management with ALBUMIN 20% INFUSION.
References
1. Sean C Sweetman. Blood Products Plasma Expanders and Haemostatics. Martindale The Complete Drug Reference. 36th edition. Page- 1052.
2. Alejandro Campos Munoz, Nitesh K. Jain, Mohit Gupta. Albumin Colloid. NIH National Library of Medicine. National Centre for Biotechnology Information. PMC PubMed Central. January 2022. [Accessed 13th July 2022]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534241/
3. Ho JJ, Adnan AS, Kueh YC, Ambak NJ, Van Rostenberghe H, Jummaat F. Human albumin infusion for treating oedema in people with nephrotic syndrome (Review). National Library of Medicine. National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Cochrane Library. 2019. [Accessed on 13th July 2022]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6699680/pdf/CD009692.pdf
4. Biotest Pharma GmbH. European Medicines Agency (EMA). [Revised in February 2020] [Accessed on 13th July 2022]. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.577.pdf ; https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.581.pdf
5. Baxalta Incorporated. BUMINATE (albumin human injection, solution). [Revised in July 2017] [Accessed on 13th July 2022]. https://www1.ndmctsgh.edu.tw/pharm/pic/medinsert/005HUM01E.pdf
6. Grifols Biologicals LLC. ALBUTEIN 5% (albumin [human]). [Revised in June 2018]. [Assessed 13th July 2022]. https://www.fffenterprises.com/assets/downloads/product-information/grifols/pi-ALBUTEIN-5.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Kidney Function Test