Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Zenalb 4.5 (45 g/l) solution for infusion

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Human albumin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Human albumin
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

Zenalb 4.5 is a solution containing the active substance called human albumin (a protein found naturally in your blood which is needed for many different functions). Human albumin is obtained from blood plasma from screened donors selected from the USA. Zenalb 4.5 is used to replace the blood or body fluids that you have lost because of bleeding, surgery, or kidney dialysis (blood "cleaning" by a machine). It contains a similar amount of albumin as normal blood. This medicine is given by injection into a vein (intravenous infusion). It is only available on a doctor's prescription. 2.

What you need to know before you take it

e Zenalb 4.5

Do not use Zenalb 4.5: • if you are allergic to albumin or any of the other ingredients of Zenalb 4.5 (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or nurse before using Zenalb 4.5 if any of the following conditions applies to you: • allergic or violent reaction to Zenalb 4.5 when injected. Treatment should be stopped immediately • blood problems, especially severe anaemia, or a tendency to bleeding disorders • heart problems where the heart is not pumping properly (heart failure) • high blood pressure (hypertension) • increased blood volume and associated complaints • severe kidney problems or a chronic liver condition • fluid accumulation in the lungs You will need to be monitored closely during treatment and should be checked for dehydration and salt (electrolyte) balance in your body. If you start to feel ill, tell the doctor immediately, because the infusion rate may have to be altered or the treatment stopped. 2

Water should not be added to the Zenalb 4.5 solution as it may cause breaking down of some of your red blood cells. Your doctor may recommend that you consider vaccination against hepatitis A and B if you regularly/repeatedly receive human plasma derived albumin. When medicines are made from human blood or plasma, certain measures are put in place to prevent infections being passed on to patients. These include: • careful selection of blood and plasma donors to make sure those at risk of carrying infections are excluded • the testing of each donation and pools of plasma for signs of virus/infections • the inclusion of steps in the processing of the blood or plasma that can inactivate or remove viruses. Despite these measures, when medicines prepared from human blood or plasma are administered, the possibility of passing on infection cannot be totally excluded. This also applies to any unknown or emerging viruses or other types of infections. There are no reports of virus infections with albumin manufactured to European Pharmacopoeia requirements by established processes. It is strongly recommended that every time you receive a dose of Zenalb 4.5 the name and batch number of the medicine are recorded in order to maintain a record of the batches used. Children and adolescents The listed warnings and precautions apply to both adults and children. Other medicines and Zenalb 4.5 Other medicines are unlikely to affect your treatment with Zenalb 4.5. Tell your doctor if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. Zenalb 4.5 must not be diluted with water for injections. It may also be necessary to receive whole blood, plasma or red blood cells. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking Zenalb 4.5. Driving and using machines No effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been observed. Zenalb 4.5 contains sodium If you have been told that you have reduced kidney function or are on a potassium or sodium controlled diet, tell the doctor before he/she gives you the infusion. This medicine contains 230 to 370 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each 100 ml. This is equivalent to 11.5 to 18.5% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of salt for an adult. 3.

How to use Zenalb 4.5

You will be given Zenalb 4.5 as an infusion (an injection given very slowly into a vein). It is unlikely that you will ever have to use Zenalb 4.5 yourself as infusion fluids are mainly given by a doctor or nurse.

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The bottle will be warmed to room temperature before it is used. A thin plastic tube and connector will be inserted into your vein using a needle; the needle will be removed and the connector will be attached to a plastic tube. The bottle of medicine will be attached to the other end of the tube and hung in the plastic sling above you. The medicine will pass down the tube slowly, through a filter and into your body through the thin plastic tube.

How to take it

Your doctor or nurse will calculate how much Zenalb 4.5 to give you and how often you should receive it. The amount given will depend on your individual needs. During and after treatment with Zenalb 4.5, your doctor may check any or all of the following: • how well the medicine is working by taking your pulse or heart rate • your blood pressure • the pressure inside your heart or lungs by placing a very thin tube into your vein or artery • your heart and breathing will be checked regularly, particularly if you are elderly or very young • blood tests may be carried out to check when the right amounts of protein, sodium and potassium are present and treatment can stop Use in children The amount given will depend on the age of your child. Your doctor will take this into account when calculating the amount to give. If you experience headache, difficulty in breathing, jugular vein congestion (signs that your heart is becoming overloaded), or increased blood pressure, raised venous pressure or pulmonary oedema, the infusion will be stopped immediately. This medicine will not interfere with blood tests that are carried out after it has been given. If you are given more Zenalb 4.5 than you should If you receive more Zenalb 4.5 than you should, you may experience: • high blood pressure, difficulty in breathing (particularly when lying down) and high pressure inside your heart, which your doctor can measure. In the unlikely event that too much medicine is given, the infusion will be stopped immediately and your doctor may give you treatment to remove the excess fluid. If you feel unwell afterwards or have any discomfort, tell your doctor. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or nurse. 4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Zenalb 4.5 can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may occur infrequently and are usually mild: • feeling sick • flushing • feeling feverish • itchy, raised bumps on the skin • shaking of the body (rigors) • high blood pressure (hypertension) • low blood pressure (hypotension) • feeling cold • increased heart rate (tachycardia) • tremor • shortness of breath 4

• • • •

chest tightness wheezing noisy breathing from throat (stridor) dizziness

If you feel unwell, you must tell your doctor immediately. Some people may have an allergic reaction ranging from a mild skin rash to more serious cases of shock (when your blood pressure falls dangerously low). Symptoms of this are: • dizziness • sweating • cold, clammy skin. Your doctor will stop the infusion and treat the allergic reaction if this happens. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.

How to store it

Zenalb 4.5

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and bottle after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store between 2°C and 25°C. Do not freeze. Use within 3 hours of opening the bottle. Do not use this medicine if you notice the solution is cloudy or has deposits. Keep it in its original carton to protect it from light. Your doctor will discard any unused solution. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste, to help protect the environment. 6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Zenalb 4.5 contains • The active substance is human albumin. Zenalb 4.5 is a solution containing 45 g/l of total protein, of which at least 95% is human albumin. • The other ingredients are sodium octanoate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), acetic acid (for pH adjustment) and water for injections. What Zenalb 4.5 looks like and contents of the pack Zenalb 4.5 is a clear, almost colourless yellow, amber or green thick (viscous) liquid in a glass bottle with a natural chlorobutyl rubber or synthetic bromobutyl stopper and tamper evident flip-off cap. Zenalb 4.5 is available in 50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml and 500 ml pack sizes, with a sling to hold the bottle during infusion. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

5

Marketing Authorisation Holder Bio Products Laboratory Limited, Dagger Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3BX, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8957 2255 e-mail: [email protected] Manufacturer Bio Products Laboratory Limited, Dagger Lane, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3BX, United Kingdom For any information about this medicine, please contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder. This leaflet was last revised in December 2025.

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Frequently asked questions about Zenalb 4.5 (45 g/l) solution for infusion

How do I take Zenalb 4.5 (45 g/l) solution for infusion?

Zenalb 4.5 (45 g/l) solution for infusion comes as infusion containing 45g. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Zenalb 4.5 (45 g/l) solution for infusion?

The active substance in Zenalb 4.5 (45 g/l) solution for infusion is human albumin.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Zenalb 4.5 (45 g/l) solution for infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Zenalb 4.5 (45 g/l) solution for infusion without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Human albumin (11 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Zenalb 4.5 is indicated in all patients for the restoration and maintenance of circulating blood volume where volume deficiency has been demonstrated, and use of a colloid is appropriate.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

The concentration of the albumin preparation, dosage and the infusion-rate should be adjusted to the patient's individual requirements.

Posology

The dose required depends on the size of the patient, the severity of trauma or illness and on continuing fluid and protein losses. Measures of adequacy of circulating volume and not plasma albumin levels should be used to determine the dose required.

If human albumin is to be administered, haemodynamic performance should be monitored regularly; this may include:

- arterial blood pressure and pulse rate

- central venous pressure

- pulmonary artery wedge pressure

- urine output

- electrolyte

- haematocrit/haemoglobin

Method of administration

Human albumin can be directly administered by the intravenous route.

The infusion rate should be adjusted according to the individual circumstances and the indication.

In plasma exchange the infusion rate should be adjusted to the rate of removal.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to albumin preparations or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Standard measures to prevent infections resulting from the use of medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma include selection of donors, screening of individual donations and plasma pools for specific markers of infection and the inclusion of effective manufacturing steps for the inactivation/removal of viruses. Despite this, when medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma are administered, the possibility of transmitting infective agents cannot be totally excluded.

This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens.

There are no reports of virus transmissions with albumin manufactured to European Pharmacopoeia specifications by established processes.

Appropriate vaccination (hepatitis A and B) should be considered for patients in regular/repeated receipt of plasma-derived human albumin solutions.

It is strongly recommended that every time that Zenalb 4.5 is administered to a patient, the name and batch number of the product are recorded in order to maintain a link between the patient and the batch of the product.

Suspicion of allergic or anaphylactic type reactions requires immediate discontinuation of the infusion. In the case of shock, standard medical treatment for shock should be implemented.

Albumin should be used with caution in conditions where hypervolaemia and its consequences or haemodilution could represent a special risk for the patient. Examples of such conditions are:

- Decompensated cardiac insufficiency

- Hypertension

- Oesophageal varices

- Pulmonary oedema

- Haemorrhagic diathesis

- Severe anaemia

- Renal and post-renal anuria

200-250 g/l Human albumin solutions are relatively low in electrolytes compared to 40-50 g/l human albumin solutions. When albumin is given, the electrolyte status of the patient should be monitored (see section 4.2) and appropriate steps taken to restore or maintain the electrolyte balance.

If comparatively large volumes are to be replaced, controls of coagulation and haematocrit are necessary. Care must be taken to ensure adequate substitution of other blood constituents (coagulation factors, electrolytes, platelets and erythrocytes).

Hypervolaemia may occur if the dosage and rate of infusion are not adjusted to the patient's circulatory situation. At the first clinical signs of cardiovascular overload (headache, dyspnoea, jugular vein congestion), or increased blood pressure, raised venous pressure and pulmonary oedema, the infusion is to be stopped immediately.

This medicinal product contains 230 to 370 mg sodium per 100 ml, equivalent to 11.5 to 18.5% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No specific interactions of human albumin with other medicinal products are known.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

The safety of Zenalb 4.5 for use in human pregnancy has not been established in controlled clinical trials. However, clinical experience with albumin suggests that no harmful effects on the course of pregnancy, or on the foetus or the neonate are to be expected.

Experimental animal studies are insufficient to assess the safety with respect to reproduction, development of the embryo or foetus, the course of gestation and peri and postnatal development. However, human albumin is a normal constituent of human blood.

Fertility

No animal reproduction studies have been conducted with Zenalb 4.5.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been observed.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Mild reactions such as flush, urticaria, fever and nausea occur rarely. These reactions normally disappear rapidly when the infusion rate is slowed down or the infusion is stopped. Very rarely, severe reactions such as shock may occur. In these cases, the infusion should be stopped and appropriate treatment should be initiated.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions reported from post-marketing use of Zenalb 4.5 are classified according to system organ class and frequency. Frequency groupings are defined according to the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

MedDRA Standard System Organ Class

Not known

Nervous system disorders

Tremor

Cardiac disorders

Tachycardia

Dyspnoea

Dizziness

Vascular disorders

Hypertension

Hypotension

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Stridor

Bronchospasm

General disorders and administration site conditions

Feeling cold

Chest tightness

Rigors

For safety information with respect to transmissible agents, see section 4.4.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Hypervolaemia may occur if the dosage and rate of infusion are too high. At the first clinical signs of cardiovascular overload (headache, dyspnoea, jugular vein congestion), or increased blood pressure, raised central venous pressure and pulmonary oedema, the infusion should be stopped immediately and the patient's haemodynamic parameters carefully monitored.

🇷🇴 Known in Romania as

Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca

  • ALBUTEIN 50 g/l prescriptionALBUMINUM HUMANUM · injection / infusion
  • ALBUTEIN 200 g/l prescriptionALBUMINUM HUMANUM · injection / infusion
  • ALBUNORM 50g/l prescriptionALBUMINUM HUMANUM · injection / infusion
  • ALBUMINA UMANA BAXALTA 50 g/l prescriptionALBUMINUM HUMANUM · injection / infusion
  • ALBUMINA UMANA BAXALTA 200 g/l prescriptionALBUMINUM HUMANUM · injection / infusion
  • ALBUNORM 200g/l prescriptionALBUMINUM HUMANUM · injection / infusion

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →

🇵🇱 Known in Poland as

Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako

  • Human Albumin 200 g/l TakedaAlbuminum humanum · injection / infusion
  • Flexbumin 200 g/lAlbuminum humanum · injection / infusion

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Zenalb 4.5 (45 g/l) solution for infusion. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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