Pharmacology · Plasma volume expanders (colloids)

Human albumin !

A plasma-derived protein solution that restores blood volume in hypovolaemia, burns and after large-volume paracentesis in cirrhosis.

Updated 2026-11-01

Class: Plasma volume expanders (colloids)
Target: Plasma oncotic pressure (albumin itself)
ATC code: B05AA01

Also called: albumin (human)

Plasma oncotic pressure (albumin itself)Human albumin

The figure shows human serum albumin, the same protein that is infused.

Target in 3D: Plasma oncotic pressure (albumin itself). PDB structure 1AO6 (RCSB PDB, public domain). View the structure at RCSB PDB

Mechanism of action

Albumin is the main protein behind the oncotic pressure of plasma. Infused albumin draws interstitial fluid into the circulation and keeps fluid in the vessels; it also binds and carries many substances. Its effect in hypoalbuminaemia lasts only as long as the cause of protein loss continues to be treated.

Albumin is infused into a vein
It raises plasma oncotic pressure
Interstitial fluid moves into the vessels
Circulating volume and blood pressure improve

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Stays mostly in the circulation, then distributes slowly into the interstitial space

Indications

Hypovolaemia with or without shock Hypovolaemic shock →
Burns and other states with low albumin and volume loss Burns (thermal, chemical, electrical; inhalation injury) →
Preventing circulatory collapse after large-volume paracentesis in cirrhotic ascites Cirrhosis →
Adjunct with diuretics in acute nephrosis resistant to standard therapy Nephrotic syndrome →

Adverse effects

Common

Nausea, vomiting
Fever, chills, flushing

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to albumin preparations
Caution where volume overload is dangerous: decompensated heart failure, hypertension, oesophageal varices, pulmonary oedema, severe anaemia, anuria

Key interactions

Sterile water for injection (as diluent): Causes haemolysis in the recipient; it is never used to dilute albumin

What is monitored

Blood pressure, pulse and urine output
Signs of overload: headache, breathlessness, raised jugular venous pressure, lung crackles
Electrolytes, haematocrit and, with large volumes, coagulation

Administration and safety

Intravenous infusion; the rate is adjusted to the patient's volume status
Never diluted with sterile water for injection
Plasma-derived: record the lot number

Nursing care

Check vital signs and lung sounds before and during the infusion
Slow or stop the infusion and inform the team at the first signs of overload or allergy
Keep epinephrine available for hypersensitivity reactions
Measure fluid balance

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Albumin is a normal plasma protein; it is used in pregnancy when the clinical need is clear.

Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

How does albumin restore blood volume?

By raising oncotic pressure, drawing interstitial fluid into the vessels.

Why is it given after large-volume paracentesis in cirrhosis?

To prevent depletion of the central circulating volume.

What happens if it is diluted with sterile water?

Haemolysis in the recipient.

Add to my cards (3)

Furosemide

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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: DailyMed - ALBUMIN (HUMAN)- albumin human solution (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Albumin (Human) Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.