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Osmotic diuretic Pregnancy: Available case report data over decades of use have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or foetal outcomes. Mannitol crosses the placenta and may cause fluid shifts that could potentially result in adverse effects in the foetus.

Mannitol

Used in: Head Injury

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used in the emergency and critical care setting to reduce raised intracranial pressure and to treat raised intraocular pressure, and historically to promote diuresis.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Reduction of intracranial pressure: 0.25 gram/kg. Reduction of intraocular pressure: 1.5 to 2 grams/kg of a 15% or 20% w/v solution as a single dose
Route: Intravenous infusion, preferably into a large central vein
Frequency: Intracranial pressure: infused over 30 minutes, may be repeated every 6 to 8 hours. Intraocular pressure: single dose infused over at least 30 minutes
No UK SPC posology was available in the bundle; dose taken from US labelling (OSMITROL, DailyMed) - verify against the UK SPC. Total dosage, concentration and rate of administration depend on the age, weight and condition of the patient, including fluid requirement, electrolyte balance, serum osmolality, urinary output and concomitant therapy; the labelled regimen is described as a general guide only. Evaluate renal, cardiac and pulmonary status and correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances before administration. For intraocular pressure, 1.5 to 2 g/kg corresponds to 7.5 to 10 mL/kg of a 20% w/v solution or 10 to 13 mL/kg of a 15% w/v solution; when used preoperatively, administer 60 to 90 minutes before surgery. Monitor fluid and electrolytes, serum osmolarity and renal, cardiac and pulmonary function during and after infusion; discontinue if renal, cardiac or pulmonary status worsens or CNS toxicity develops. Use administration sets with a final in-line filter because of the potential for crystals to form. Do not administer simultaneously with blood products through the same set. Paediatric use: approved for reduction of intracranial and intraocular pressure, but studies have not defined the optimal paediatric dose; children under two years, particularly preterm and term neonates, may be at higher risk of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities - verify paediatric dosing against a children's formulary.

Dose adjustments

Renal

Contraindicated in anuria. Risk factors for renal complications include pre-existing renal failure and concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs or other diuretics; discontinue if renal function worsens. Mannitol is substantially excreted by the kidney and the risk of adverse reactions may be greater in elderly patients with impaired renal function. No numeric dose-adjustment schedule is stated in the source.

Dose auto-extracted from US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to mannitol
  • Anuria
  • Severe hypovolaemia
  • Pre-existing severe pulmonary vascular congestion or pulmonary oedema
  • Active intracranial bleeding except during craniotomy

Side effects

  • Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, hypotension, dyspnoea, pyrexia, chills, sweating, urticaria/rash, nausea, vomiting, headache; cardiac arrest reported
  • Renal failure: acute kidney injury, osmotic nephrosis, azotaemia, anuria, haematuria, oliguria, polyuria
  • CNS toxicity: coma, seizures, confusion, lethargy, dizziness; rebound increase in intracranial pressure
  • Fluid and electrolyte imbalances: hypovolaemia, hypervolaemia, peripheral oedema, dehydration, hypo/hypernatraemia, hypo/hyperkalaemia, metabolic acidosis
  • Infusion site reactions: phlebitis, inflammation, pain, rash, erythema, pruritus; compartment syndrome and swelling with extravasation

Interactions

  • Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. ciclosporin, aminoglycosides): increased risk of renal failure - avoid concomitant use if possible
  • Other diuretics: may potentiate renal toxicity of mannitol - avoid concomitant use if possible
  • Systemic neurotoxic drugs (e.g. aminoglycosides): may potentiate CNS toxicity of mannitol - avoid concomitant use
  • Drugs affected by electrolyte imbalances: may result in cardiac adverse reactions - monitor serum electrolytes
  • Renally eliminated agents: effectiveness may be decreased; concomitant lithium may increase risk of lithium toxicity - monitor lithium concentrations frequently

Clinical monograph

How it works

As an osmotically active agent that is filtered but not reabsorbed, it raises plasma osmolality to draw water out of tissues such as the brain and increases osmotic diuresis in the renal tubule.

Prescribing in practice

  • It can cause significant fluid and electrolyte shifts, intravascular volume changes, and is contraindicated in anuria, severe hypovolaemia, established renal failure, and severe pulmonary oedema or congestive cardiac failure.
  • Given by intravenous infusion, ideally through an in-line filter as it can crystallise, and the solution should be checked for crystals before use.
  • Repeated or prolonged use risks rebound rises in intracranial pressure and renal injury; consult the SPC.

Monitoring

Monitor fluid balance, serum electrolytes, plasma and effective serum osmolality, renal function, and cardiovascular status during therapy.

Counselling the patient

  • This medicine is given by a drip to draw excess fluid out of the brain or eye, or to increase urine output.
  • The team will take regular blood tests and monitor your fluid balance closely while you receive it.

Evidence & guidelines

Mannitol is an established osmotic agent for acutely raised intracranial pressure within neurocritical care guidance, used as part of measures to control intracranial hypertension.

Reference: NICE NG232 (head injury); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

📚 MRCEM Revision

Featured in these MRCEM clinical pathways

Mannitol is a core drug in the following exam-focused workups on our sister siteReviseMRCEM.

MRCEM Primary / Intermediate / OSCE candidates: each pathway includes exam-style questions, RCEM/NICE citations, and FAQ summaries.