Plasma derivative / colloid
Albumin solution
Brand names: Human Albumin Solution 4.5%, 20%
Adult dose
Dose: SBP: 1.5 g/kg day 1, 1 g/kg day 3; LVP: 6–8 g per L ascites removed
Route: IV
Frequency: Per indication
Clinical pearls
- Recommended in SBP, post-LVP and HRS-AKI per BSG/EASL
- Avoid as routine resuscitation fluid (NICE CG174)
Contraindications
- Severe anaemia/heart failure with volume overload
Side effects
- Fluid overload
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypocalcaemia (large volumes)
Interactions
- No clinically significant
Monitoring
- BP, JVP, U&E
- Albumin level not routinely needed
Reference: BNF; BSG cirrhosis 2021; EASL 2018; NICE CG174. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators