What is mannitol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Mannitol is a naturally occurring substance that causes the body to lose water (diuresis) through osmosis. Mannitol promotes diuresis in kidneys by increasing the concentration of filtrates in the kidney and blocking reabsorption of water by kidney tubules. The FDA approved mannitol in June 1964.
What brand names are available for mannitol-injectable?
Osmitrol
Is mannitol-injectable available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for mannitol-injectable?
Yes
What are the side effects of mannitol?
Side effects of Mannitol are:
- pulmonary congestion,
- fluid and electrolyte imbalance,
- dry mouth,
- thirst,
- headache,
- blurred vision,
- dizziness,
- nausea, and
- chest pain.

SLIDESHOW
Surprising Causes of Weight Gain See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for mannitol?
Adults
- Prevention of acute renal railure (oliguria): 50 to100 g of mannitol given as 5%, 10%, or 15% solution depending on the patient's fluid requirements.
- Treatment of oliguria: 100 g administered as a 15 or 20% solution.
- Reduction of intracranial pressure and brain mass: 0.25 g/kg given every 6 to 8 hours.
- Reduction of intraocular pressure: 1.5 to 2 g/kg body weight, as 15% to 25% solution administered over 30 to 60 minutes.
- Adjunctive therapy for intoxications: Adults may receive a 5% to 25% solution for as long as urinary output remains high.
Is mannitol safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done on mannitol to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
It is not known whether Mannitol enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about mannitol?
What preparations of mannitol-injectable are available?
Mannitol intravenous injections are available in following strengths and sizes: 5% and 10% in 1000 ml containers; 15% in 500 ml containers, 20% in 250 ml and 500 ml containers; and 25% in 50 ml flip-top vials.
How should I keep mannitol-injectable stored?
Store mannitol injections at room temperature between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
Summary
Mannitol (Osmitrol) is an injection medication used for diuresis for treatment and prevention of decreased urine production in acute kidney failure. Mannitol is also used to decrease intracranial pressure and brain mass with patients with swelling in the brain. Side effects, drug interactions, dosing, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to administering this medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
Related Disease Conditions
-
Kidney (Renal) Failure
Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss, dehydration, or medication. Some of the renal causes of kidney failure include sepsis, medications, rhabdomyolysis, multiple myeloma, and acute glomerulonephritis. Post renal causes of kidney failure include bladder obstruction, prostate problems, tumors, or kidney stones.Treatment options included diet, medications, or dialysis.
-
Edema (Pitting)
Edema is swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the tissues of the body and occurs most often in the legs, feet, ankles, or hands. Learn about different types, symptoms, causes, and treatment.
-
Brain Hemorrhage
A brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke caused when an artery bursts in the brain, causing localized bleeding in the surrounding tissue. Causes of brain hemorrhage include aneurysm, liver disease, brain tumor, head trauma, high blood pressure, and blood vessel abnormalities. Symptoms and signs include sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, tingling, numbness, vision changes, loss of consciousness, and loss of fine motor skills. Treatment depends upon the cause, location, and size of the brain hemorrhage.
-
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness.
-
Types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medications
Traumatic brain injury and related conditions, may require diuretics, anticonvulsants, sedatives, antidepressants, muscle relaxers, pain relievers, and stimulants to treat deficits in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, learning and language.
-
Head Injury (Brain Injury)
In the United States, head injuries are one of the most common causes of death and disability. Head injuries due to bleeding are generally classified by the location of the blood within the skull, these include epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma, subarachnoid bleed, intracranial bleed, sheer injury, edema, and skull fracture. Some common symptoms of a head injury include vomiting, bleeding from the ear, speech difficulties, paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and body numbness. Treatment of a head injury depends on the type and severity of the injury.
-
What Is the Best Treatment for Whooping Cough?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your whooping cough symptoms and speed up your recovery.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information.