Albutein Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology: There are no known cases of viral hepatitis, which have resulted from the administration of Albutein. Albumin is a highly soluble, globular protein (molecular weight 66,500), accounting for 70-80% of the colloid osmotic pressure of plasma. Therefore, it is important in regulating the osmotic pressure of plasma. Albutein 5% solution supplies the oncotic equivalent of approximately its volume of human plasma. Albutein 20% and 25% solutions supply the oncotic equivalent of approximately 4 and 5 times its volume of human plasma respectively. Albutein 5% will increase the circulating plasma volume by an amount approximately equal to the volume infused. This extra fluid reduces hemoconcentration and decreases blood volume. Albutein 20% and 25% will increase the circulating plasma volume by an amount approximately 2.5 and 3.5 times, respectively, the volume infused within 15 min, if the recipient is adequately hydrated. This extra fluid reduces hemoconcentration and decreases blood viscosity. The degree and duration of volume expansion depend upon the initial blood volume. When treating patients with diminished blood volume, the effect of infused albumin may persist for many hrs. The hemodilution lasts for a shorter time when albumin is administered to individuals with normal blood volume.
Albumin is also a transport protein and binds naturally occurring, therapeutic and toxic materials in the circulation. The binding properties of albumin may, special circumstances provide an indication for its clinical use. For such purposes, however, the 25% solution should be used.
Albumin is distributed throughout the extracellular water and >60% of the body albumin pool is located in the extravascular fluid compartment. The total body albumin in a 70-kg man is approximately 320 g; it has a circulating life span of 15-20 days, with a turnover of approximately 15 g/day.