Mannitol
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.
Adult dose
Dose adjustments
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.
- Difficult Airway Algorithm (DAS) · DAS 2015; Royal College of Anaesthetists
- Major Haemorrhage Protocol · NICE NG24; UK MHP guidelines
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines
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.