Mannitol (MAN-i-tol)

Lowers pressure in the head and eye. Treats brain swelling. Also treats early kidney failure or poisoning by increasing urination to get rid of extra fluids or toxins from the body.

Brand Name(s):

Osmitrol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. The medicine must be given slowly, so it will have to stay in place for at least 30 minutes.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how mannitol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium
  • Aminoglycoside antibiotic
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Other diuretics (water pill)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, fluid or electrolyte imbalance, or brain problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Kidney problems
  • Fluid or electrolyte imbalance
  • Infusion reaction
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, headache, loss of consciousness, seizures
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, weakness, or twitching, nausea, vomiting, uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
• No increase in passing urine, trouble passing urine, or a decrease in how much or how often you urinate, cloudy or bloody urine
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Unusual drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088