Mannitol
Mannitol Information

About Mannitol

Mannitol most extensively employed as osmotic diuretic. its D-enantiomer is used clinically.it opposes reabsorption of water which normally accompanies sodium reabsorption from kidney tubule. Used when there is a danger renal failure (e.g shock, cardiovascular surgery) and in fluid overload refactory to other diuretics. May cause cardiac failure owing to increase circulating blood volume. Mannitoladministered by intravenous infusion.

Indications

Mannitol is primarily indicated in conditions like Bladder irrigation, Cerebral oedema, Diuresis, Edematous states, Oliguria, Poisoning, Raised intracranial pressure, Raised iop, Renal insufficiency, Reperfusion injury, Sodium depletion, Termination of pregnancy.

Contraindication

Mannitol is contraindicated in conditions like Acidosis,Congestive heart failure,Pulmonary edema,Intracranial hemorrhage,Dehydration,Inadequate urine flow.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Mannitol, which give rise to further complications include Dehydration, Hyponatremia, Oedema, Skin necrosis, Hyponatremia, Inflammation.Mannitol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pulmonary edema, Convulsions, Hypertension, Hypotension, Anaphylaxis, Fluid & electrolyte imbalance, Water intoxication. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Mannitol therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Mannitol include Coma, Confusion, Lethargy, Stupor, Severe hyponatremia.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Mannitol are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Thirst, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Fever, Tachycardia, Blurred vision, Chills, Thrombophlebitis, Hypokalemia, Chest pain, Xerostomia, Urinary RetentionX, Urinary retention, dizziness.

Warnings

Before rapid administration of mannitol carefully evaluate patients cardiovascular status because sudden expansion of extracellular fluid lead to congestive heart failure (CHF). The diuretic response following 15-20% of mannitol may further aggravate pre-existing hemoconcentration. Mannitol should not be administered untill the patient renal function and urine flow have been determined to be adequate using a test dose. The drug should be administered to the pregnant mother only when the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.