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Mannitol

An osmotic diuretic given by intravenous drip to reduce pressure in the brain or the eye.

Clinical information

Common uses

  • reducing raised pressure inside the skull and brain swelling
  • reducing raised pressure inside the eye

Common side effects

  • allergic-type reactions
  • kidney problems
  • confusion or drowsiness
  • salt and fluid imbalances
  • irritation or pain at the infusion site

Cautions

  • not for people producing no urine or severely dehydrated
  • can worsen heart failure or fluid on the lungs
  • infusion stopped if allergic, kidney or nervous-system problems develop
  • blood salts, kidney and heart function are monitored

Interactions

  • kidney-toxic medicines and other diuretics — avoid
  • nerve-toxic medicines — avoid
  • medicines affected by salt imbalances (heart-rhythm risk)
  • lithium (toxicity risk — levels monitored)

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, OSMITROL (mannitol injection) label, setid 0d914965-7001-45cb-ba51-d7c5964b05bc (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations2

Brand nameDosage formStrengthImporterCategory
MannitolParenteral ( Injection )0.1POM
MannitolParenteral ( Injection )0.2POM
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