Mannitol
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that promotes water excretion through the kidneys while helping maintain electrolyte balance, primarily used to reduce elevated intracranial and intra pressure.
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce brain and eye pressure and prevent kidney injury by drawing excess fluid through the kidneys.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A06AD16
- RxNorm
- 6628
- Generic
- Mannitol
- Class
- atc-a06
- Brands
- Osmitrol, Bronchitol
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- injection, powder, cream, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1-2 g/kg as single dose
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-1 g/kg over 30-60 minutes
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-1 g/kg over 30-60 minutes
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
Use only if benefits outweigh risks. Limited data available on safety in first trimester.
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
Use only if clearly needed. Monitor fluid balance closely.
regular fetal monitoring and maternal fluid status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
Use only if benefits outweigh risks. Monitor for fluid overload.
regular fetal monitoring, maternal fluid balance, blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingmonitor infant
Mannitol is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Use with caution and monitor infant.
observe infant for signs of dehydration or electrolyte changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose, monitor renal function
Start with lower doses. Monitor renal function and fluid balance closely.
renal function tests, fluid balance, electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
Use under close medical supervision. Dosing is weight-based.
fluid balance, electrolytes, renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infantsreduce dose, use cautiously
Limited data. Use only in hospital setting with close monitoring.
intensive fluid and electrolyte monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid use
Contraindicated in severe renal impairment, anuria, pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure.
renal function must be monitored before and during treatment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose, monitor closely
Use with caution. May need dose reduction. Monitor renal function.
renal function tests, urine output, fluid balance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatemonitor closely
Use with caution. Mannitol is not extensively metabolized by liver but monitor fluid balance.
liver function tests, fluid balance, electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Classified as an osmotic diuretic under ATC code C03BA01
Common uses
Primary therapeutic uses in emergency and surgical settings
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Mannitol intravenous solution
Mechanism of action
Creates osmotic gradient to draw water into renal tubules
Treatment of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and intracranial hypertension, reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) during acute glaucoma attacks or eye surgery, and prevention of acute kidney injury (AKI) through forced osmotic diuresis. Also used as an osmotic laxative for constipation.
Mannitol is a small molecular weight sugar alcohol that remains largely confined to the extracellular space. When administered intravenously, it creates an osmotic gradient in the renal tubules that hinders water reabsorption and enhances excretion of sodium and chloride, thereby promoting diuresis and reducing fluid accumulation in tissues.
Administered by IV infusion only; requires adequate renal function and cardiac output to be effective. Contraindicated in severe dehydration, anuria, and pulmonary edema or congestion. Monitor serum osmolality, electrolytes, and renal function during treatment. May cause rebound increased ICP if therapy is discontinued abruptly after prolonged use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy