Albumin 20% CSL Ingredients and Usage

The active ingredient is Human Albumin. The 20% solution is four times the concentration of protein naturally found in human plasma, making it a powerful hyperoncotic solution.

Albumin 20% CSL is clinically indicated for:

• Hypoalbuminemia: Correcting protein deficiency in conditions such as severe liver failure, nephrotic syndrome, and malabsorption syndromes.
• Volume Expansion: When rapid volume restoration is necessary in situations like shock, trauma, or surgery, particularly when the patient requires minimal total fluid volume.
• Paracentesis: Used to maintain adequate blood volume and prevent post-procedure hypotension following the removal of large volumes of ascetic fluid in cirrhotic patients.
• Severe Burns: To replace significant plasma protein and fluid loss in the immediate post-burn period.

How Does Albumin 20% CSL Work?

Albumin is the major contributor to Colloid Oncotic Pressure (COP) in the blood. The 20% concentration provides a strong osmotic force, leading to its primary mechanism:

1. High Oncotic Pressure: The hyperoncotic nature of the 20% solution means its protein concentration is much higher than that in the tissues.
2. Interstitial Fluid Mobilization: When infused, this high COP creates a strong pressure gradient that effectively pulls three to four times the volume of the infused fluid from the interstitial spaces (tissues) back into the circulating bloodstream.
3. Sustained Volume Restoration: This mechanism leads to a rapid and sustained increase in circulating blood volume and blood pressure, making it superior to crystalloids for volume expansion where rapid protein replacement is also critical.

Albumin 20% CSL Side Effects and Warnings

Due to its high concentration, careful monitoring is essential during infusion. Side effects are typically related to volume changes or hypersensitivity. Common side effects may include:

• Flushing, Rash, or Urticaria (hives)
• Chills, Fever
• Nausea, Headache

Serious Warnings and Precautions:

1. Circulatory Overload Risk: The hyperoncotic nature poses a significant risk of Hypervolemia (fluid overload) and subsequent Pulmonary Edema (fluid in the lungs), especially in patients with heart failure, hypertension, or kidney disease. Infusion rates must be slow and closely controlled, with vital signs and central venous pressure monitored.
2. Anaphylaxis: Although rare, severe systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, can occur. The infusion must be discontinued immediately if any signs of allergic reaction appear.
3. Infectious Risk: Albumin is derived from human plasma. Despite strict donor screening and validated virus inactivation/removal steps (e.g., pasteurization at 60°C), the theoretical risk of transmitting prions or other infectious agents cannot be completely ruled out.

Albumin 20% CSL 100 mL Storage Conditions

Albumin 20% CSL must be stored under controlled conditions to maintain its therapeutic efficacy:

• Store the unopened container at a temperature not exceeding 30°C (86°F). Refrigeration (2°C to 8°C) is also acceptable but not always required unless specified by the local pharmacy. Do not freeze.
• Protect from Light: Keep the bottle or vial in the original packaging until use.
• Inspect Before Use: The solution should appear clear and slightly viscous, ranging from almost colorless to amber. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, turbid, or contains sediment.
• Immediate Use: The product contains no preservatives. Once the seal is broken, the infusion should be started promptly, and any residual solution must be discarded.