Mannitol is used in the treatment of acute renal failure, cerebral edema and glaucoma.

Mannitol is an inert substance with high osmotic pressure. It draws water into the kidney, which in turn increases the amount of urine production. Mannitol is also used to lower the pressure inside the eye or swelling around the brain.

Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Dehydration

• Tell your doctor if you have swelling, kidney problems, or heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure).
• Exercise caution in children <12 years and if you are an elderly patient.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you have difficulty urinating or extreme dizziness.
• You will be regularly monitored for lab tests such as blood electrolytes, kidney function, lung function, heart function and blood counts.
• Do not drive or use any machinery after taking mannitol as it may cause dizziness.
• Do not consume alcohol when on treatment with mannitol, as it may worsen its side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are planning or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Do not take if allergic to mannitol or any of its ingredients.
• Do not take in pre-existing plasma hyperosmolarity.
• Do not take in severe dehydration, established anuria (failure of the kidneys to produce urine), severe heart failure, severe lung congestion or oedema, active intracranial bleeding (bleeding within the cranial vault), except during craniotomy (surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain).
• Do not take if suffering from disturbance of the blood-brain barrier.
• Do not take if suffering from progressive renal damage or dysfunction after institution of mannitol therapy, including increasing oliguria and azotemia (elevation of blood urea nitrogen).

Ques. Q. Is Mannitol a sugar?
Mannitol is a polyol (sugar alcohol)

Ques. Q. Is Mannitol salt agar selective?
Yes, Mannitol salt agar is a selective, differential and Indicator medium.