Quite often, patients in severe conditions are prescribed the drug “Albumin”. What it is? What are the properties of this substance? What is it used for? Are there any contraindications and side effects?
So albumin - what is it?
Albumin is a substance that is present in the body of every person, since it is an integral part of blood plasma. This protein compound is crucial for maintaining normal oncotic pressure.
But there is the drug "Albumin." What it is? This medicine is made by fractionating human plasma. The solution of human albumin is transparent (occasionally with a yellowish tinge) and has no smell. This drug has anabolic properties, makes up for the deficiency of natural protein molecules, enhances the transition of fluid tissues to the bloodstream.
The drug "Albumin": indications for use
This medicine makes up for lost blood volume and eliminates the deficiency of protein substances. That is why it is often used in pathological conditions such as traumatic, septic, surgical and toxic shock.
The drug is effective for severe burns, which are most often accompanied by dehydration and blood clotting.
The tool "Albumin" is also included in the treatment regimen of cerebral edema, ascites. Liver diseases accompanied by a violation of the synthetic activity of the organ are also an indication for the use of the drug. The drug is used for nephritis, hemolytic disease, peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines, diseases of the digestive system, accompanied by impaired patency, etc.
In addition, a solution of human albumin is often used for blood transfusions, during hemodialysis and therapeutic plasmapheresis. Sometimes the solution is used for parenteral nutrition.
Solution "Albumin": instructions for use
It is immediately worth noting that only a specialist can prescribe a medicine and only after a preliminary examination. Only a doctor knows why albumin is needed, what it is and what dosage will be most effective in a particular case.
The solution is administered intravenously by injection (injection) or by drop. As a rule, solutions with an albumin concentration of 5, 10 or 20% are used for treatment. As for the dosage, it is determined individually depending on the condition and age of the patient. For example, elderly patients are not recommended to administer 20% solutions, as this creates an additional burden on the cardiovascular system.
In most cases, the daily dose is calculated depending on body weight - 1-2 ml (if it is a 10% solution) for every kilogram of body. The procedure is repeated every day or every two days until the onset of visible improvements.
Contraindications and adverse reactions
This medicine has a number of contraindications. In particular, it should not be taken with hypersensitivity to albumin. It is not used to treat patients with thrombosis, chronic anemia, pulmonary edema, arterial hypertension. Contraindication is considered to be prolonged internal bleeding, as well as chronic renal and heart failure.
When using weak solutions of albumin, adverse reactions are extremely rare. Side effects include hives, swelling, tachycardia, lower back pain, shortness of breath, chills, and fever.