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[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Plasma volume expanders (colloids)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/plasma-volume-expanders/)

# 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)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/plasma-volume-expanders/)
- 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](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/1AO6) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## 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 →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hypovolaemic-shock/)
- Burns and other states with low albumin and volume loss [Burns (thermal, chemical, electrical; inhalation injury) →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/burns/)
- Preventing circulatory collapse after large-volume paracentesis in cirrhotic ascites [Cirrhosis →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/cirrhosis/)
- Adjunct with diuretics in acute nephrosis resistant to standard therapy [Nephrotic syndrome →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/nephrotic-syndrome/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Nausea, vomiting
- Fever, chills, flushing

### Serious (rare, important)

- Anaphylactic reactions
- Circulatory overload: heart failure and pulmonary oedema

## 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.

## Memory aid

Albumin = «sponge in the vessel»: it soaks fluid back in, so watch the lungs for overflow.

## 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)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/human-albumin/)

## Related drugs

- [Furosemide](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/furosemide/)

## Related conditions

- [Hypovolaemic shock](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/hypovolaemic-shock/)
- [Burns (thermal, chemical, electrical; inhalation injury)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/burns/)
- [Cirrhosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/cirrhosis/)
- [Nephrotic syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/nephrotic-syndrome/)

[← Back to the class: Plasma volume expanders (colloids)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/plasma-volume-expanders/)

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](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=07734008-9dd3-b006-0825-65147c58e1ac) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Albumin (Human) Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a626061.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=B05AA01) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/human-albumin/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/human-albumin/