Mannitol or mannitol is an intravenous fluidused for reducepressure in the brain (intracranial pressure), pressure in the eyeball (intraocular pressure), and brain swelling (cerebral oedema). This drug is available in the form of intravenous fluids and should only be given by a doctor.
Mannitol belongs to the class of osmotic diuretic drugs that work by increasing the amount of fluid that will be excreted by the kidneys, while inhibiting the reabsorption of fluids by the kidneys. This intravenous fluid is also used to increase the amount of urine in oliguric patients who have not experienced permanent kidney failure.
Mannitol trademark:Basol M20, Infusion M-20, Mannitol, Osmol, Otsu – Mannitol 20
What is Mannitol
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Osmotic diuretic |
| Benefit | Reduces intracranial, intraocular pressure, reduces cerebral edema, and treat oliguria |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Mannitol for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether mannitol is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | infusion |
Precautions Before Using Mannitol
Mannitol should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using mannitol:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Mannitol should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, pulmonary edema, heart failure, severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, brain hemorrhage, or inability to urinate (anuria).
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after using mannitol.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Mannitol
Mannitol infusion will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment according to the patient's age, condition, and body's response to the drug.
The following are mannitol dosages based on their intended use:
Purpose: Reducing intracranial, intraocular, or pressure cerebral edema
- Mature: 1.5–2 grams/kgBW. This treatment is given by infusion into a vein (intravenous/IV) for 30–60 minutes.
Purpose: Treating the oliguria phase in patients with renal failure
- Mature: 50–200 grams, given over 24 hours. The rate of infusion will be adjusted to the amount of urine that comes out per hour.
- Children: 0.25–2 grams/kgBW.
How to use Mannitol Correctly
Injectable mannitol will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Mannitol fluid will be injected into a vein (intravenous / IV) through an infusion given slowly over at least 30 minutes.
During treatment with mannitol, follow the advice given by your doctor. The doctor will periodically check electrolyte levels, kidney function, heart function to see the effectiveness of therapy.
Interactions of Mannitol with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur if mannitol is used in combination with other medicines, including:
- Increased risk of impaired renal function if used with ciclosporin, aminoglycoside antibiotics, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or naproxen
- Increased risk of electrolyte disturbances when used with digoxin
- Decreased effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs
- Increased effectiveness of tubocurarine and other muscle relaxants
Side Effects and Dangers of Mannitol
There are several side effects that can occur after using mannitol, including:
- Fever, chills, headache, runny nose
- Urinating more often
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy rash on the skin, swollen eyelids and lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Signs of dehydration appear, such as thirst, dry skin, hot skin, or infrequent urination
- Signs of electrolyte disturbances, such as confusion, vomiting, constipation, leg cramps, bone pain, irregular heartbeat, muscle aches, or weakness
- Swelling in the feet, hands, and weight increased dramatically
- Pain, bruising, irritation, or skin changes at the injection site
- Little or no urine
- Chest pain or fast heart rate
- Headache or feeling like passing out
- Seizures