What is Mannitol?

Mannitol is a diuretic.
Mannitol is used to force urine production in people with acute (sudden) kidney failure. Increased urine production helps prevent the kidneys from shutting down, and also speeds up elimination of certain toxic substances in the body.
Mannitol is also used to reduce swelling and pressure inside the eye or around the brain.
Mannitol may also be used for o
ther purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Mannitol?

You should not be treated with this medication if you are allergic to mannitol, or if you have severe or long-term kidney disease, lung swelling or congestion, severe dehydration, bleeding in your brain not caused by surgery, or if your kidneys have already shut down and you are unable to urinate.
To be sure mannitol is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with mannitol. Your heart function will also need to be tested.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Mannitol?

You should not be treated with this medication if you are allergic to mannitol, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• severe or long-term kidney disease
• swelling or congestion in your lung
• bleeding in your brain that is not related to surgery
• severe dehydration; or
• if your kidneys have already shut down and you are unable to urinate

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before receiving mannitol, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether mannitol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Mannitol Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Mannitol?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of the following symptoms. Some of these may be caused by your kidney condition and are not side effects of mannitol:

• dry mouth, increased thirst, blurred vision, or seizure (convulsions)
• swelling, pain, or skin changes where the medicine was injected
• chest pain, fast heart rate
• feeling like you might pass out
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
• swelling, rapid weight gain; or
• if you stop urinating

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting
• runny nose
• dizziness
• chills; or
• mild skin rash

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Mannitol Interactions

What other drugs affect Mannitol?

There may be other drugs that can interact with mannitol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Mannitol?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are being treated with mannitol.

Mannitol Dosage

How should I take Mannitol?

Mannitol is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and you may receive the medication around the clock.
To be sure mannitol is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with mannitol. Your heart function will also need to be tested.

What happens if I overdose on Mannitol?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Since mannitol is given by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will receive an overdose.

What happens if I miss a dose of Mannitol?

Since mannitol is given as needed by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com