Albumin

Synonyms:  Alba; Albuconn; Albuminar; albumin human solution; albumini humani solutio; Albumisol; Albuspan; Albutein; Buminate; human serum albumin; normal human serum albumin; Octalbin; Plasbumin; plasma albumin; Pro-Bumin; Proserum; Zenalb.

Description:  Aqueous albumin solutions are slightly viscous and range in color from almost colorless to amber depending upon the protein concentration. In the solid state, albumin appears as brownish amorphous lumps, scales, or powder.

Chemical Name:  Serum albumin

Stabilizing agent; therapeutic agent

• Albumin is primarily used as an excipient in parenteral pharmaceutical formulations, where it is used as a stabilizing agent for formulations containing proteins and enzymes.
• Albumin has also been used to prepare microspheres and microcapsules for experimental drug-delivery systems.
• As a stabilizing agent, albumin has been employed in protein formulations at concentrations as low as 0.003%, although concentrations of 1–5% are commonly used. Albumin has also been used as a cosolvent for parenteral drugs, as a cryoprotectant during lyophilization, and to prevent adsorption of other
  proteins to surfaces.
• Therapeutically, albumin solutions have been used parenterally for plasma volume replacement and to treat severe acute albumin loss. However, the benefits of using albumin in such applications in critically ill patients has been questioned

Albumin is a protein and is therefore susceptible to chemical degradation and denaturation by exposure to extremes of pH, high salt concentrations, heat, enzymes, organic solvents, and other chemical agents.

Albumin occurs naturally in the body, comprising about 60% of all the plasma proteins. As an excipient, albumin is used primarily in parenteral formulations and is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material. Adverse reactions to albumin infusion rarely occur but include nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, chills, and febrile reactions. Urticaria and skin rash have been reported. Allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, can occur. Albumin infusions are contraindicated in patients with severe anemia or cardiac failure. Albumin solutions with aluminum content of less than 200 mg/L should be used in dialysis patients and premature infants.

Observe handling precautions appropriate for a biologically derived blood product.

Albumins derived from animal sources are also commercially available, e.g. bovine serum albumin.