Osmitrol

Generic name:mannitol injection [ MAN-it-ol ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous diuretics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 9, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is mannitol?

Mannitol is a diuretic that is used to reduce swelling and pressure inside the eye or around the brain.

Mannitol is also used to help your body produce more urine. Osmitrol is used in people with kidney failure, to remove excess water and toxins from the body.

Mannitol is sometimes given so that your body will produce enough urine to be collected and tested. This helps your doctor determine if your kidneys are working properly.

Mannitol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not receive mannitol if you have severe kidney disease, lung swelling or congestion, severe heart failure, severe dehydration, bleeding in your brain not caused by surgery, or if your kidneys have already shut down and you are unable to urinate.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive mannitol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe or long-term kidney disease;

• swelling or congestion in your lungs;

• severe heart failure;

• 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.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;

• heart disease; or

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is mannitol given?

Mannitol is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Mannitol must be given slowly, and you may receive the medication around the clock.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when mannitol is injected.

You will need frequent medical tests to be sure Osmitrol is not causing harmful effects. This will also help your doctor determine how long to treat you with mannitol.

This medicine may affect certain medical tests and you may have false results. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using mannitol.