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 other 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 health care provider before receiving 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.