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Mannitol injection - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Mannitol injection: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is a Mannitol injection?

Mannitol is a diuretic substance that increases the production of urine. It helps during the treatment of kidney disorders. Mannitol is injected to remove excess water and toxins from the body through urine. Sometimes, a mannitol injection is given so that your body produces sufficient urine that can be collected and tested. This is performed to check whether the kidneys are functioning properly.

Mannitol injection is also available in the name of Osmitrol.

What are the uses of a mannitol injection?

  • Diuretic
  • Reduces pressure and swelling inside the eyes and around the brain
  • Helps the body in more urine production
  • Removes toxins from the body during kidney failure
  • Removes excess water 
  • Used in urine collection for testing
  • Helps in testing kidney functions 

Mannitol is used to treat kidney failure and check the normal functioning of the kidney to collect urine for testing. It is used to reduce the swelling and pressure developed inside the eye and brain while performing surgery or during kidney failure. 

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What are the side effects of mannitol injection?

Mannitol can cause some mild side effects such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Mild chest pain
  • Increased urination
  • Headache
  • Rashes
  • Dizziness

You should consult your doctor if you experience the following medical conditions:

  • Heart-related problems
  • Kidney problem
  • Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Fluid in the lungs
  • Allergy to mannitol (or dye, a preservative used in the injection)
  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Dehydration

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to a mannitol injection and develop severe symptoms such as breathing difficulty, swelling of lips, hands or lower legs, less or no urine or chest pain.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Mannitol injection

1. When is mannitol contraindicated?

You should not use mannitol in the following conditions:

  • Heart-related problems or heart failure
  • Kidney problem
  • Kidney failure
  • Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Fluid in the lungs
  • Allergy to mannitol
  • Bleeding in the brain (not due to surgery)
  • Dehydration

2. Does mannitol decrease blood pressure?

Generally, mannitol does not affect blood pressure levels. Mannitol has to be injected by a trained nurse or a doctor. It can reduce blood pressure levels in case of an overdose or if it is injected rapidly.

3. How long can mannitol be given?

Mannitol has to be taken based on the prescription given by your doctor. The dosage and duration will vary based on your health condition. Generally, mannitol is given once every 4 hours. It should not be given for more than 8 days.

4. What are the adverse effects of mannitol?

Mannitol does not cause any adverse reactions. However, consult your doctor immediately if you are allergic to mannitol and develop severe symptoms such as breathing difficulty, swelling of lips, hands or lower legs, less or no urine or chest pain.

5. Why is mannitol not given quickly?

Mannitol is administered before performing any surgery or a urology procedure. Mannitol has to be given very slowly to stay in the blood for a minimum of 30 minutes. Rapid release tends to affect blood pressure and can result in cardiac arrest.

6. Does mannitol increase urine output?

Yes, mannitol is a diuretic given to increase urine output. It is generally given to evaluate the functioning of the kidney.

7. Can mannitol cause fever?

Mannitol does not cause fever. But the side effects may include dryness of the mouth, thirst, more urination, dizziness, headache, rashes or chest pain.

8. How does mannitol reduce brain swelling?

The brain can swell because of illness, injury or other reasons, which is very difficult to treat. Mannitol reduces the thickness of the blood so that it reaches the brain faster. This helps in reducing the swelling of the brain and preparing for surgery.

9. Does mannitol cause hyponatremia or hypernatremia?

Using isotonic mannitol can result in hyponatremia (low sodium concentration in the blood) or hypernatremia (high sodium concentration in the blood) because of water loss from the body cells and swelling.

10. What should you check before administering mannitol?

  • Heart-related problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Fluid in the lungs
  • Allergic to mannitol (or dye, a preservative used in the injection)
  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Dehydration
  •  

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    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.