Should Medications be Coadministered with Albumin in Hypoalbuminemic Patients

Abstract

Protein binding significantly influences pharmacokinetic properties of drug distribution. Albumin accounts for approximately 60% of the total plasma protein by mass, thereby making it the major protein in the body. Hypoalbuminemia, a type of hypoproteinemia, is a condition of abnormally low blood albumin levels. Hypoaluminemia causes pharmacokinetic issues in regards to dosing a patient's medication. The purpose of this paper is to review the role of the coadministration of albumin in hypoalbuminemic patients to optimize pharmacotherapy.