Products
Human albumin is commercially available as an infusion solution for intravenous use.
Structure and properties
Human albumin is a monomeric protein with a heart-shaped structure that can be extracted from human plasma for the production of drugs. In the body, it is produced by the liver. The mature protein consists of 585 amino acids, has a molecular weight of 66.5 kDa and is rich in cysteine. Albumin has a high concentration in serum, up to 5 g per 100 ml.
Effects
Albumin (ATC B05AA01) retains water in blood vessels, thus maintaining oncotic pressure. Furthermore, it has an important transport function, for example, for hormones, fatty acids, bilirubin, heme, and pharmaceutical agents such as diazepam, ibuprofen, and vitamin K antagonists. This protein binding affects drug pharmacokinetics and is a potential cause of drug-drug interactions. Albumin has a long half-life of 19 days.
Indications
- To restore and maintain circulating blood volume in volume deficiency.
- For the treatment of hypoalbuminemia.
- As a pharmaceutical excipient
Other applications: Albumin is used for drug development. Active ingredients can be designed to bind to albumin. For example, insulin detemir contains a fatty acid and is therefore long acting. Fatty acids are transported by albumin (see above). This strategy was also chosen for liraglutide. The covalent binding of albumin to the drug significantly prolongs the half-life of the drugs (e.g., fusion proteins).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Albumin is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Contraindications
Albumin is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
The pharmacokinetics of agents that are strongly bound to albumin may be affected when albumin is administered.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions). Albumin may cause anaphylaxis.
