Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
Albumin	Albuminar, Albumisol, Normal serum albumin (human), Plasbumin, Salt-poor albumin, SPA

Albumin is given directly into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Dosage is based on body size and the severity of the illness.

How It Works

Albumin is a protein that is made in the liver and released into the blood. It helps prevent blood from leaking out of blood vessels, and it carries medications and other substances through the blood. It is also important for tissue growth and healing. When albumin levels drop, fluid may collect in the ankles (pedal edema), lungs (pulmonary edema), or belly (ascites).

Why It Is Used

Albumin is primarily used for short-term treatment of nephrotic syndrome. It helps to remove extra fluid from the tissues and puts it back into a normal circulation pattern. It improves kidney function by increasing blood flow to the kidneys.

How Well It Works

Albumin restores blood volume and improves kidney function in people with nephrotic syndrome. It acts quickly, though it only works for a few hours.

Side Effects

Albumin can cause heart failure if it is given too rapidly.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Albumin must be given over 8 to 12 hours to prevent heart failure.

You should not use albumin if you have severe anemia, heart failure, or a known hypersensitivity to albumin.

Many experts question the benefits of albumin for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. However, albumin is particularly effective when nephrotic syndrome is causing pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, or acute renal failure.¹

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Roth KS, et al. (2002). Nephrotic syndrome: Pathogenesis and management. Pediatrics in Review, 23(7): 237–247.