Mannitol injection
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What is mannitol injection?
MANNITOL (Osmitrol®) is a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Mannitol can help to reduce pressure and swelling around the brain, in the eye, or in various organs by increasing the flow of water from these areas. Mannitol can also treat or prevent kidney failure and help get rid of toxic substances from the body by increasing urine flow. Generic mannitol injections are available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• bleeding in the brain, head injury or trauma
• dehydration
• fluid on the lungs
• heart failure
• kidney disease
• small amount of urine output
• an unusual or allergic reaction to mannitol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Mannitol is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.What drug(s) may interact with mannitol?
• acetazolamide• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• dorzolamide
• digoxin
• imipramine
• lithium
• water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking mannitol?
A test dose of mannitol may be given to see how you will react to the medication and to decide if mannitol will be helpful.You may need to limit the amount of salt and fluid in your diet while you are receiving mannitol. Follow your prescriber's advice.
Mannitol can reduce the amount of fluid in your body, which can lead to low blood pressure. You may get dizzy or lightheaded. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit up or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
What side effects may I notice from receiving mannitol?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• change in the amount of urine passed, or difficulty passing urine
• chest pain, irregular heartbeats
• confusion
• fever or chills
• increased thirst
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• muscle weakness
• pain in the chest, legs, or back
• pain, redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site
• seizures (convulsions)
• shortness of breath
• unusual swelling of face, feet or lower legs
• unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• blurred vision
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• runny nose
• skin sores, itching
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Avoid exposure to excessive heat. Brief exposure up to 40 degrees C does not harm the product. Throw away any unused portion.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
