Albumex-20™
Active ingredients: Albumin human
Consumer medicine information
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What this medicine is used for
INDICATIONS AS AT 27 JANUARY 2000: Hypoproteinaemia in the acutely ill patient: Albumex 20 is administered when there are existing or anticipated clinical problems or complications from reduced oncotic pressure, and/or as an adjunct to diuretic therapy. Shock: Albumex 20 may be used for the resuscitation of patients in shock due to acute loss of blood or plasma, but 4-5% human albumin is preferred when available. Burns: Extensive burns are followed by sequential shifts in the distribution of body water, salt and proteins, resulting in hypovolaemic shock and circulatory failure. Inititally (during the first 24 hours) there is an increased vascular permeability leading to loss of water and proteins into the extravascular compartment, and haemoconcentration. Large volumes of crystalloid solutions should be infused to restore the constricted intravascular fluid space, and smaller amounts of Albumex 20 are required to maintain adequate plasma volume and colloid osmotic pressure. Adult respiratory distress syndrome: The clinical syndrome is characterised by inadequate oxygenation secondary to pulmonary interstitial oedema, complicating shock and postoperative states resulting in a decreased central venous pressure, decreased plasma albumin concentration, rising blood pressure, reduced cardiac output, lowered pulse rate and falling renal output. The acute condition can be controlled by diuretics and Albumex 20 in amounts sufficient to maintain vital signs. In patients who have undergone abdominal surgery, the intravenous administration of albumin solution (20%) immediately after the operation has been shown to improve lung compliance and gaseous exchange. Haemodialysis: Albumex 20 may be used to assist with the rapid removal of excess extravascular fluid and to maintain perfusion pressure. Therapeutic plasma exchange: Therapeutic plasma exchange is a procedure in which approximately one plasma volume is exchanged with a colloid replacement solution. The choice of replacement fluid and its concentration are determined by the particular clinical situation and the frequency of the procedure. Iso-oncotic albumin solution is the preferred replacement material. If the patient's serum albumin level is not maintained, concentrated albumin (20%) may be indicated. If exchange occurs less frequently than once a week, less concentrated colloids may be appropriate.,Albumex 20 is indicated for hypoproteinaemia in the acutely ill patient, shock, plasma exchange, acute respiratory distress syndrome, haemodialysis and burns.
Source: ARTG
Storage conditions
- Shelf lifetime is 4 Years
- Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light; Do not Freeze
Source: ARTG
How to use this medicine
Non-composite pack
This medicine contains one component only.
Component
- Injection, intravenous infusion
- Intravenous
- A clear, slightly viscous liquid; it is almost colourless, yellow, amber or green.
Source: ARTG
Do I need a prescription?
Not scheduled medicines: We are unable to tell you if you need a prescription for these medicines. You can ask your pharmacist. These medicines are Not Scheduled.
Source: ARTG
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Talk to your pharmacist about how much it will cost.
Source: PBS
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient: Albumin human
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Source: AHT
Reporting side effects
If you experience a side effect from this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Or report it directly to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at Report an adverse event or safety problem (Opens in new tab)
Source: ARTG
Data sources
- Australian Health Thesaurus (AHT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Medicines Information Pty Ltd (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 4 March 2026
Disclaimer
Healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. Please refer to our terms and conditions (Opens in new tab).
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