Home Supplements That Start With K Kedbumin: Human Albumin Benefits, 5% vs 25% Uses, Dosing, and Safety

Kedbumin: Human Albumin Benefits, 5% vs 25% Uses, Dosing, and Safety

20

Kedbumin is a sterile, human albumin solution used when patients need oncotic support or a rapid, low-volume plasma expander. As the dominant protein in plasma, albumin holds water within blood vessels and carries hormones, drugs, and fatty acids. Clinically, you will see Kedbumin in two strengths—5% (iso-oncotic, for volume expansion) and 25% (hyperoncotic, for oncotic pull when fluid overload is a concern). Because it is plasma-derived and pasteurized with additional pathogen-reduction steps, it is designed for safety and consistency. Its small infusion volume compared with crystalloids or plasma makes it especially helpful in shock states, large-volume paracentesis in cirrhosis, plasmapheresis replacement, burns after initial resuscitation, and cardiopulmonary bypass priming. The key to good outcomes is using the right concentration for the right indication, dosing by weight and clinical targets, and watching for predictable risks such as hypervolemia, pulmonary edema, and electrolyte shifts. This guide explains how Kedbumin works, when to choose 5% versus 25%, how to calculate doses for common scenarios, and what safety steps to follow from infusion room to ICU.

Key Insights

  • 5% albumin is iso-oncotic and expands plasma roughly 1:1 with infused volume; 25% albumin pulls interstitial fluid intravascularly and expands plasma by 3–4× the infused volume over a few hours.
  • Typical dose ranges: 5% albumin 10–20 mL/kg for hypovolemia; 25% albumin 0.5–1 g/kg (≈ 2–4 mL/kg) for oncotic support; after large-volume paracentesis, give 6–8 g per liter of ascites removed (using 20–25% albumin).
  • Safety first: infuse slowly in elderly, renal or heart failure populations; monitor for hypervolemia, pulmonary edema, hypotension, and electrolyte changes (especially sodium).
  • Avoid or reconsider in uncontrolled heart failure, severe dehydration without crystalloids, or known albumin hypersensitivity; use caution in traumatic brain injury where hypotonic carriers are undesirable.
  • Storage pearls: use intact containers kept at 2–25°C, do not freeze, and do not dilute with hypotonic fluids or mix with other drugs in-line.

Table of Contents

What Kedbumin is and where it fits

What it is. Kedbumin is albumin (human), USP, a purified plasma protein standardized to either 5% (50 g/L) or 25% (250 g/L) in isotonic, sodium-containing solution. It is pasteurized and manufactured with additional viral inactivation/removal processes. It contains no preservatives and is supplied as a ready-to-infuse solution in single-dose vials or bottles.

Where it fits in care.
Albumin supports the circulation by increasing plasma oncotic pressure. That makes it useful when you need effective circulating volume with minimal infusion volume or when you need to pull fluid back into the vasculature:

  • Acute volume expansion (shock/hypovolemia): 5% albumin can restore intravascular volume when crystalloids alone are insufficient or would cause problematic edema.
  • Cirrhosis and portal hypertension complications: 20–25% albumin after large-volume paracentesis (LVP) prevents circulatory dysfunction; it also partners with antibiotics for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and with vasoconstrictors for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS).
  • Plasmapheresis/therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE): 5% albumin is a standard replacement fluid, often combined with saline.
  • Burns: After initial crystalloid resuscitation (usually after 12–24 hours), albumin can reduce interstitial edema and maintain intravascular volume.
  • Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB): Albumin may be used in the pump prime to help maintain oncotic pressure and reduce hemodilution.
  • Hypoalbuminemia with edema unresponsive to diuretics: Short courses of 25% albumin combined with diuretics can mobilize edema in selected patients.

What it is not. Albumin is not a broad replacement for crystalloids in routine resuscitation, not a specific therapy for malnutrition, and not a diuretic by itself. It does not replace coagulation factors and should not be used to correct coagulopathy.

Choosing 5% vs 25%.

  • 5% albumin (iso-oncotic): When the main goal is volume expansion and blood pressure support with a 1:1 plasma-expanding effect (mL-for-mL).
  • 25% albumin (hyperoncotic): When the main goal is to shift interstitial fluid intravascularly (e.g., edema states, cirrhosis after LVP, HRS), allowing smaller infusion volumes.

In short, Kedbumin’s niche is targeted oncotic support, not indiscriminate fluid therapy. Match the concentration to the physiology and the endpoint you’re chasing.

Back to top ↑

How Kedbumin works and what to expect

Oncotic pressure in action. Albumin is responsible for the majority of colloid oncotic pressure in plasma. Infusing albumin increases plasma oncotic pressure, which draws water from the interstitial space into the circulation. The net effect depends on capillary permeability, baseline albumin levels, and the concentration infused.

Plasma expansion by concentration.

  • 5% albumin behaves like plasma and typically expands intravascular volume approximately equal to the infused volume.
  • 25% albumin is hyperoncotic. A small volume (e.g., 100 mL) can expand plasma volume 3–4 times its own volume over several hours by mobilizing interstitial fluid.

Pharmacokinetics and distribution. About 40% of total body albumin resides intravascularly and 60% in the interstitial space. After infusion, there is a rapid intravascular effect followed by redistribution; the intravascular half-life of the oncotic effect is hours, while the biologic half-life of albumin is ~15–20 days. In states of inflammation (sepsis, burns), capillary leak reduces the durability of the intravascular effect—another reason to titrate to clinical endpoints rather than fixed volumes.

What to expect at the bedside.
Within minutes to hours of infusion, you should see improved blood pressure, decreased heart rate, better urine output, or reduced need for vasopressors (when hypovolemia is a driver). With 25% albumin, expect plasma volume expansion with net diuresis if kidneys respond and diuretics are co-administered. In cirrhosis after paracentesis, albumin helps maintain effective arterial blood volume, reducing post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction and renal injury.

Electrolytes and carriers. Albumin solutions contain sodium and can increase serum sodium slightly, particularly with 25% solutions administered rapidly. Albumin binds calcium weakly; total calcium may change without altering ionized calcium meaningfully. Albumin also binds many drugs; however, infusion does not generally mandate dose changes—just be mindful in drugs with narrow therapeutic windows where protein binding matters.

Limits of effect. If shock is primarily distributive (e.g., advanced sepsis) or cardiogenic without volume responsiveness, albumin alone will not fix the problem. Likewise, if capillary leak is severe, infused albumin may translocate interstitially, blunting the expected intravascular benefit. Use dynamic assessments (passive leg raise, stroke-volume change with fluid challenge, bedside echo) to confirm fluid responsiveness.

Back to top ↑

How to administer Kedbumin correctly

Preparation and compatibility

  • Inspect the container for leaks or turbidity; the solution should be clear to slightly opalescent.
  • Do not mix albumin with other medications in the same line. Use a dedicated line or thoroughly flush before and after.
  • If dilution is necessary for 25% albumin, use 0.9% sodium chloride; avoid hypotonic fluids like sterile water, which can cause hemolysis.

Infusion rates

  • Start conservatively, especially in elderly patients or those with heart failure or renal impairment. A common approach is 1–2 mL/min for 25% solutions and 2–4 mL/min for 5% solutions, then titrate by hemodynamic response and tolerance.
  • Continuous monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and—when indicated—urine output and central venous parameters is recommended during significant infusions.

Co-therapies and sequencing

  • In hypovolemia/shock, secure the airway and source control first; albumin complements balanced crystalloids and vasopressors as needed.
  • In cirrhosis (LVP/SBP/HRS), follow established protocols: pair albumin with antibiotics (for SBP) or vasoconstrictors (for HRS).
  • For ongoing edema, pair 25% albumin with loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) to mobilize interstitial fluid and prevent rebound edema.

Monitoring targets

  • Macro-hemodynamics: mean arterial pressure (MAP) goals individualized; reduced vasopressor dose if volume-responsive.
  • Volume status: urine output (≥0.5 mL/kg/h), lactate clearance, bedside ultrasound for IVC variability or LV filling.
  • Laboratory: serum electrolytes (Na⁺), albumin, creatinine, and, in cirrhosis, renal indices (e.g., MELD-Na components).
  • Adverse effects: watch for dyspnea, new rales, rising JVP, or hypertension during/after infusion.

Storage and handling

  • Keep unopened containers at 2–25°C (36–77°F); do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat and light.
  • Because Kedbumin is single-use and preservative-free, discard any unused portion.

Practical checklist: right patient, right concentration, right dose, slow start, titrate to endpoints, and active monitoring for volume-related events.

Back to top ↑

Dosing by indication with examples

Below are typical, widely used ranges and bedside examples. Individualize to clinical response and institutional protocols.

1) Hypovolemia/initial hemodynamic support (adult)

  • 5% albumin: 10–20 mL/kg IV, reassessing after each 250–500 mL.
  • Goal: improved MAP, reduced vasopressor requirement, better urine output.
    Example: A 70-kg adult in mixed shock after initial crystalloid boluses receives 500 mL 5% albumin over 30–60 minutes, reassess, and may repeat up to ~1–1.5 L if responsive.

2) Large-volume paracentesis (LVP) in cirrhosis

  • 25% albumin: 6–8 g per liter of ascitic fluid removed (usually start when ≥5 L removed).
  • Practical conversion: Each 100 mL of 25% albumin contains 25 g.
    Example: After removing 8 L of ascitic fluid, give 50–64 g albumin = 200–256 mL of 25% solution, typically divided over 1–2 hours.

3) Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)

  • 25% albumin: 1.5 g/kg on day 1, then 1.0 g/kg on day 3, alongside antibiotics.
    Example: A 60-kg patient receives 90 g (≈ 360 mL of 25%) on day 1 and 60 g (≈ 240 mL) on day 3.

4) Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) with vasoconstrictor therapy

  • Day 1: 1 g/kg (max 100 g) of 25% albumin.
  • Days 2–4+: 20–40 g/day while on terlipressin or an alternative vasoconstrictor per protocol.
    Example: An 80-kg patient: 80 g day 1 (≈ 320 mL), then 25 g daily (100 mL) as guided by response and weight.

5) Plasmapheresis/Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE)

  • 5% albumin: Replace most or all of the removed plasma volume with 5% albumin (often combined with saline to target oncotic pressure and cost).
    Example: One plasma volume exchange (~40–50 mL/kg) in a 70-kg adult removes 2.8–3.5 L; replacement may use 2–3 L of 5% albumin plus saline per protocol.

6) Burns (after initial crystalloid phase)

  • 5% albumin: Start 12–24 hours post-burn when capillary leak begins to resolve, guided by urine output and hemodynamics; typical 0.5–1 mL/kg/%TBSA over 24 hours is an approach in some protocols, with a portion of that as colloid.
    Example: A 60-kg adult with 30% TBSA may receive a portion of the 24-hour fluid plan as 5% albumin to limit edema while maintaining perfusion.

7) Oncotic support in diuretic-resistant edema

  • 25% albumin: 0.5–1 g/kg (≈ 2–4 mL/kg of 25%) IV over 1–2 hours, often paired with IV loop diuretic during or immediately after the infusion.
    Example: A 90-kg patient with nephrotic edema receives 45–90 g (≈ 180–360 mL) with furosemide to enhance diuresis.

Pediatrics

  • Doses are weight-based; typical starting points mirror adults (e.g., 5% albumin 10–20 mL/kg for volume expansion). For paracentesis/SBP/HRS, specialist protocols apply; always consult pediatric hepatology/critical care.

Infusion pace and endpoints

  • Titrate to MAP, lactate, mentation, and urine output; stop or slow if rales, hypoxemia, or hypertensive response develops.
  • Reassess after each 250–500 mL (5%) or 50–100 mL (25%)—small changes can have large effects with 25%.

Back to top ↑

Mistakes to avoid and troubleshooting

Using the wrong concentration for the job

  • Mistake: Giving 5% albumin for oncotic pull in severe edema when 25% would achieve the goal with far less volume.
  • Fix: Choose 25% for fluid mobilization (cirrhosis, nephrotic states) and 5% for straightforward volume expansion.

Infusing too fast in vulnerable patients

  • Mistake: Rapid 25% albumin in heart or renal failure causing pulmonary edema.
  • Fix: Start slow (~1 mL/min), monitor closely, and pair with diuretics when the intent is decongestion.

Skipping albumin after large-volume paracentesis

  • Mistake: Removing ≥5 L of ascites without albumin, leading to post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction and renal injury.
  • Fix: Replace 6–8 g per liter removed using 20–25% albumin.

Treating lab hypoalbuminemia instead of physiology

  • Mistake: Infusing albumin solely to “normalize” a low number.
  • Fix: Treat hemodynamics and edema, not just labs. Use albumin when it changes outcomes (e.g., LVP, SBP, HRS) or solves a physiologic problem (inadequate intravascular volume with limited crystalloid tolerance).

Diluting with hypotonic fluids

  • Mistake: Mixing with sterile water or hypotonic solutions, risking hemolysis or hyponatremia.
  • Fix: If dilution is needed, use 0.9% saline.

Overlooking sodium and volume effects

  • Mistake: Multiple 25% doses in a day without watching serum sodium, weight, and respiratory status.
  • Fix: Track daily fluid balance, sodium, and physical signs; space doses based on response.

Expecting albumin to fix capillary leak

  • Mistake: Repeated albumin in early septic shock with profound leak, resulting in limited intravascular persistence.
  • Fix: Confirm fluid responsiveness dynamically; prioritize source control, vasopressors, and lung-protective strategies; use albumin selectively.

Not pairing with diuretics when decongesting

  • Mistake: 25% albumin for edema without loop diuretic, causing transient plasma expansion without net decongestion.
  • Fix: Time furosemide during or right after 25% infusion to harness mobilized interstitial fluid.

Back to top ↑

Safety, side effects, and who should avoid

Common or predictable reactions

  • Volume-related effects: Hypertension, headache, flushing, or dyspnea if infused too rapidly or in patients with limited cardiac reserve.
  • Electrolyte shifts: Mild hypernatremia can occur, especially with 25% albumin; monitor sodium in serial doses.
  • Injection-site reactions: Discomfort or phlebitis with peripheral administration; central access is often preferable for repeated hyperoncotic infusions.

Serious but uncommon risks

  • Pulmonary edema/acute heart failure in susceptible patients; stop infusion, give oxygen and diuretics, and escalate care as needed.
  • Hypotension (paradoxical) if albumin is cold or infused very rapidly; warm to room temperature and infuse at a controlled rate.
  • Anaphylaxis/hypersensitivity to albumin or trace components: hives, bronchospasm, hypotension. Stop immediately and treat per anaphylaxis protocols.
  • Infection transmission: Extremely rare due to donor screening and pathogen reduction, but a theoretical risk with any plasma-derived product.

Contraindications and strong cautions

  • Absolute: Known hypersensitivity to albumin preparations.
  • Avoid or use extreme caution in severe uncontrolled heart failure, severe anemia (where increasing intravascular volume without oxygen-carrying capacity can worsen hypoxia), or traumatic brain injury (avoid hypotonic carriers; aim to maintain normonatremia and osmotic targets).
  • Relative cautions: Chronic kidney disease (especially with low diuretic responsiveness), pulmonary hypertension, uncontrolled hypertension, and risk of hypervolemia.

Special populations

  • Pregnancy and lactation: Use when expected benefits (e.g., oncotic support in severe preeclampsia with pulmonary edema risk) outweigh risks; coordinate with obstetrics.
  • Pediatrics: Follow weight-based dosing and pediatric specialty protocols; consider smaller aliquots and slower rates.
  • Older adults: Start low, go slow; monitor lungs and kidneys carefully.

What to watch after infusion

  • Vitals and respiratory status for 1–2 hours after significant doses.
  • Daily weights, I&O, and net balance in decongestion plans.
  • Chemistries (Na⁺, creatinine) and albumin levels where relevant to the indication.

When used for the right indication, at the right dose, and with careful monitoring, Kedbumin is a powerful, predictable tool for restoring effective circulating volume and mobilizing fluid safely.

Back to top ↑

Evidence and practical context

Crystalloids vs albumin for resuscitation
Balanced crystalloids remain first-line for most initial resuscitation because they are effective, inexpensive, and safe in large volumes. Albumin becomes attractive when you need larger oncotic effect with smaller volumes (e.g., concurrent pulmonary edema or renal impairment) or when randomized trials and guidelines show specific benefit (cirrhosis indications).

Cirrhosis: where albumin improves outcomes

  • After LVP: Giving 6–8 g per liter removed reduces post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction and renal failure risk.
  • SBP: Adding albumin to antibiotics reduces renal failure and improves survival in high-risk patients (elevated creatinine, bilirubin, or BUN).
  • HRS-AKI: Albumin combined with vasoconstrictors is a core therapy, improving renal function and, with specific agents, transplant-free survival in responders.

Sepsis and critical illness
Trials comparing albumin-containing strategies to crystalloids have shown similar mortality overall, with subgroups (e.g., severe hypoalbuminemia) sometimes benefiting hemodynamically. The practical takeaway is selective use: confirm fluid responsiveness, consider albumin when crystalloid volumes are excessive or oncotic support is advantageous, and always integrate with vasopressors and source control.

Apheresis
Guidelines endorse 5% albumin as a main replacement fluid for therapeutic plasma exchange, balancing oncotic maintenance with cost and viscosity. Institutions often specify proportions of 5% albumin and saline to target volume and electrolytes.

Burns
After the early capillary leak phase, albumin can reduce interstitial edema and limit total fluid burden while maintaining perfusion. Protocols vary; the clinical art is timing and titration to urine output and respiratory status.

Cost and stewardship
Albumin is costlier than crystalloids. Stewardship programs focus on clear indications, dose caps per day, and checkpoints (hemodynamic response, diuretic pairing) to ensure benefit. Embedding order sets with indication-specific dosing (e.g., LVP replacement) improves outcomes and resource use.

Bottom line
Kedbumin is not a “more is better” therapy. It is a targeted tool with well-defined wins (cirrhosis care, selective volume expansion, apheresis replacement) and predictable risks. Clinicians who match concentration and dose to physiology—and who monitor closely—get the best results.

Back to top ↑

References

Medical Disclaimer

This article provides educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kedbumin (albumin, human) must be prescribed and administered by qualified clinicians. Doses and indications vary by patient condition, comorbidities, and institutional protocols. In emergencies or if you experience breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe swelling, or signs of allergic reaction during infusion, seek immediate medical care. Always consult your healthcare team before starting, stopping, or changing any medical treatment.

If this guide helped you, please consider sharing it on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or your preferred platform, and follow us for more evidence-informed articles. Your support helps us continue creating practical, high-quality resources.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR