Albutein

Human albumin.

Albumin (Human) U.S.P., Albutein Solution is a sterile, aqueous solution for single dose intravenous administration containing 5%, 20% and 25% human albumin (weight/volume). Albutein is prepared by a cold alcohol fractionation method from pooled human plasma obtained from venous blood. The product is stabilized with 0.08 millimole sodium caprylate and 0.08 millimole sodium acetyltryptophanate per gram of albumin. Albutein 5% solution is osmotically and isotonically equivalent to an equal volume of normal human plasma. Albutein 20% is osmotically equivalent to four times its volume of normal human plasma. Albutein 25% is osmotically, equivalent to five times its volume of normal human plasma. Albutein contains 130-160 milliequivalents of sodium ion per liter and has a pH of 7.0 ± 0.3. The aluminum content of the solution is not more than 200 micrograms per liter during the shelf life of the product. The product contains no preservatives.
Albutein is heated at 60°C for ten hours. No positive assertion can be made, that this heat treatment completely destroys the causative agents of viral hepatitis, however, there are no known confirmed cases of viral hepatitis which have resulted from the administration of Albutein.

Pharmacology: Albumin is a highly soluble, globular protein (MW 66,500), accounting for 70-80% of the colloid osmotic pressure of plasma. Therefore, it is important in regulating the osmotic pressure of plasma. Albutein 5% supplies the oncotic equivalent of approximately its volume of human plasma. It will increase the circulating plasma volume by an amount approximately equal to the volume infused.
Albutein 20% supplies the oncotic equivalent of approximately 4 times its volume of human plasma. It will increase the circulating plasma volume by an amount approximately 2.5 times the volume infused within 15 minutes, if the recipient is adequately hydrated.
Albutein 25% supplies the oncotic equivalent of approximately 5 times its volume of human plasma. It will increase the circulating plasma volume by an amount approximately 3.5 times the volume infused within 15 minutes, if the recipient is adequately hydrated.
This extra fluid reduces hemoconcentration and decreases blood viscosity. The degree and duration of volume expansion depend upon the initial blood volume. When treating patients with diminished blood volume, the effect of infused albumin may persist for many hours. The hemodilution lasts for a shorter time when albumin is administered to individuals with normal blood volume.
Albumin is also a transport protein and binds naturally occurring, therapeutic, and toxic materials in the circulation.
Albumin is distributed throughout the extracellular water and more than 60% of the body albumin pool is located in the extravascular fluid compartment. The total body albumin in a 70 kg man is approximately 320 g. Albumin has a circulating life span of 15-20 days, with a turnover of approximately 15 g per day.
5%: The binding properties of albumin may, in special circumstances, provide an indication for its clinical use. For such purposes, however, the 25% solution should be used.

Albutein is indicated: For treatment of hypovolemic shock.
5%: In conditions in which there is severe hypoalbuminemia. However, unless the pathologic condition responsible for the hypoalbuminemia can be corrected, administration of albumin can afford only symptomatic or supportive relief.
As an adjunct in hemodialysis and in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures.
In those conditions in which the colloid requirement is high and there is less need for fluid, albumin should be administered as a 25% solution.
Pediatric Use: The pediatric use of Albutein 5% has not been clinically evaluated. Therefore, physicians should weigh the risks and benefits of the use of Albutein 5% in the pediatric population.
20% and 25%: As an adjunct in hemodialysis for patients undergoing long-term dialysis or for those patients who are fluid-overloaded and cannot tolerate substantial volumes of salt solution for therapy of shock or hypotension.
In cardiopulmonary bypass procedures; however, the optimum regimen of fluids has not been established.
Condition in which Albumin 20% and 25% MAY BE indicated: Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Major injury or surgery resulting in increased albumin loss or inadequate synthesis.
Acute nephrosis not responding to cyclophosphamide or steroid therapy. Steroid therapy may increase edema which may respond to combined therapy of albumin with a diuretic.
Acute liver failure or ascites where the therapeutic use is regulated by the individual circumstances.
Unless the pathologic condition responsible for hypoalbuminemia can be corrected, administration of albumin can only afford symptomatic relief. There is NO valid reason for the use of albumin as an intravenous nutrient.
Pediatric Use: Albutein 20% and 25% is indicated in conjunction with exchange transfusion in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The pediatric use of Albutein 20% and 25%, has not been clinically evaluated. Therefore, physicians should weigh the risks and benefits of the use of Albutein 20% and Albutein 25% in the pediatric population.

Albutein is administered intravenously. The total dosage will vary with the individual. In adults, an initial infusion of 500 mL (for 5%), 100 mL (for 20% and 25%) is suggested. Additional amounts may be administered as clinically indicated.
In the treatment of the patient in shock with greatly reduced blood volume, Albutein may be administered as rapidly as necessary in order to improve the clinical condition and restore normal blood volume. This may be repeated in 15-30 minutes if the initial dose fails to prove adequate. In the patient with a slightly low or normal blood volume, the rate of administration should be 1-2 mL (for 5% solution) and 1 mL (for 20% and 25% solution) per minute.
20% and 25%: If dilution of Albutein is clinically desirable, compatilble diluents include sterile 0.9% Sodium Chloride solution or sterile 5% dextrose in water.
Pediatric Use: The pediatric use of Albutein has not been clinically evaluated. The dosage will vary with the clinical state and body weight of the individual. Typically, a dose one-quarter to one-half the adult dose may be administered, or dosage may be calculated on the basis of 0.6 to 1.0 gram per kilogram of body weight [12 to 20 mL of Albutein 5%); (3 to 5 mL of Albutein 20%); (2.4 to 4 mL of Albutein 25%). The usual rate of administration in children should be one-quarter the adult rate.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
20% and 25%: For jaundiced infants suffering from hemolytic disease of the newborn, the appropriate dose for binding of free serum bilirubin is 1 gram per kilogram of body weight which may be administered during the procedure.

Albutein is contraindicated in patients with severe anemia or cardiac failure in the presence of normal or increased intravascular volume.
The use of Albutein is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to albumin.

Albutein is made from pooled human plasma. Based on effective donor screening and product manufacturing processes, it carries an extremely remote risk for transmission of viral diseases, including a theoretical risk for transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Although no cases of transmission of viral diseases or CJD have ever been identified for albumin, the risk of infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated. The physician should weigh the risks and benefits of the use of this product and should discuss these with the patient.
Solutions of Albutein should not be used if they appear turbid or if there is sediment in the bottle. Do not begin administration more than 4 hours after the container has been entered. Discard unused portion.
20% and 25%: Following reports that there exists a risk of potentially fatal hemolysis and acute renal failure from the inappropriate use of Sterile Water for Injection as a diluent for Albumin (Human), if dilution is required, acceptable diluents include 0.9% Sodium Chloride or 5% Dextrose in Water.

Albutein should be administered with caution to patients with low cardiac reserve.
Rapid infusion may cause vascular overload with resultant pulmonary edema. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of increased venous pressure.
A rapid rise in blood pressure following infusion necessitates careful observation of injured or postoperative patients to detect and treat severed blood vessels that may not have bled at a lower pressure.
Patients with marked dehydration require administration of additional fluids. Albutein may be administered with the usual dextrose and saline intravenous solutions. However, solutions containing protein hydrolysates or alcohol must not be infused through the same administration set in conjunction with Albutein since these combinations may cause the proteins to precipitate.
Use in Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Albutein. It is also not known whether Albutein can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Albutein should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Albutein. It is also not known whether Albutein can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Albutein should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

The most common adverse reactions include fever and chills; rash, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia and hypotension. Should an adverse reaction occur, slow or stop the infusion for a period of time which may result in the disappearance of the symptoms. If administration has been stopped and the patient requires additional Albutein, material from a different lot should be used.
Albutein, particularly if administered rapidly, may result in vascular overload with resultant pulmonary edema.

Directions for Use: (250 mL and 500 mL for 5% solution); (50 mL and 100 mL for 20% and 25% solutions).
When an Administration Set is Used: Flip off plastic cap on top of the vial and expose rubber stopper. Cleanse exposed rubber stopper with suitable germicidal solution, being sure to remove any excess. Observe aseptic technique and prepare sterile intravenous equipment as follows: 1. Close clamp on administration set.
2. With bottle upright, squeeze drip chamber thrust piercing pin straight through stopper center. Do not twist or angle.
3. Immediately invert bottle, release drip chamber to automatically establish proper fluid level in drip chamber (half full).
4. Attach infusion set to administration set, open clamp and allow solution to expel air from tubing and needle, then close clamp.
5. Make venipuncture and adjust flow.
6. Discard all administration equipment after use. Discard any unused contents.
When an Administration Set is Not Used: Flip off plastic cap on top of the vial and expose rubber stopper. Cleanse exposed rubber stopper with suitable germicidal solution, being sure to remove any excess. Observe aseptic technique and prepare sterile intravenous equipment as follows: 1. Using aseptic technique, attach filter needle to a sterile disposable plastic syringe.
2. Insert filter needle into Albutein.
3. Aspirate Albutein from the vial into the syringe.
4. Remove and discard the filter needle from the syringe.
5. Attach desired size needle to syringe.
6. Discard all administration equipment after use. Discard any unused contents.

Albutein is stable for three years provided that storage temperature does not exceed 30°C. Protect from freezing.

Intravenous & Other Sterile Solutions

B05AA01 - albumin ; Belongs to the class of blood substitutes and plasma protein fractions. Used as blood substitutes.

POM