ALBUMIN (al BYOO min) is used to treat or prevent shock following serious injury, bleeding, surgery, or burns by increasing the volume of blood plasma. This medicine can also replace low blood protein.

What is the main function of albumin?

Albumin is a simple protein present both in animal and plant physiological fluids and tissues. It plays many important roles including maintenance of appropriate osmotic pressure, binding and transport of various substances like hormones, drugs etc. in blood, and neutralisation of free radicals.

When Should albumin be given?

Albumin can be useful in the post-operative period following liver transplantation, in order to control the ascites and peripheral oedema and to replace the loss of ascitic fluid through the drainage tubes; it is administered in the following circumstances: albumin < 2.5 g/dL, pulmonary capillary pressure < 12 mmHg, ...