What is Mannitol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Mannitol overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Osmitrol

Generic Names:

  • Mannitol

Uses:

  • Lowers pressure in the head and eye. Treats brain swelling. Also treats early kidney failure or poisoning by increasing urination to get rid of extra fluids or toxins from the body.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Cardiovascular Agent, Diagnostic Agent, Kidney Function

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Mannitol used for?

What form(s) does Mannitol come in

  • Injectable

What are common Mannitol doses?

  • Vial 50ML of 25%

  • Bottle 500GM of

  • Bottle 1000GM of

Common Mannitol prescriptions

  • Mannitol
    50ml of 25% vial

How to take Mannitol

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine must be given slowly, so it will have to stay in place for at least 30 minutes.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine must be given slowly, so it will have to stay in place for at least 30 minutes.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mannitol

Mannitol contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to mannitol, or if you cannot pass urine, have severe dehydration, lung or breathing problems (including fluid or swelling in the lungs), or bleeding inside your head (except during head surgery).

Mannitol warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, fluid or electrolyte imbalance, or brain problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Kidney problemsFluid or electrolyte imbalanceInfusion reaction

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Coughing or shortness of breath.

  • Fever or chills.

  • Loss of feeling or tingling anywhere in your body.

  • No increase in passing urine, trouble passing urine, or a decrease in how much or how often you pass urine.

  • Seizures.

  • Skin rash.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Swelling, redness, or pain where the needle was placed.

Mannitol interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how mannitol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cyclosporine, digoxin, lithiumAminoglycoside antibioticMuscle relaxantsOther diuretics (water pill)

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Mannitol side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Seizures.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Swelling, redness, or pain where the needle was placed.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Confusion, headache, loss of consciousness, seizures

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, weakness, or twitching, nausea, vomiting, uneven heartbeat

  • Fever, chills, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting

  • No increase in passing urine, trouble passing urine, or a decrease in how much or how often you urinate, cloudy or bloody urine

  • Unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Skin rash.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting.

  • Dry mouth or increased thirst.

  • Dizziness, headache, or fainting.

  • Runny nose.

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

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