Mannitol (Osmitrol): Uses & Side Effects

For education only

This guide cannot diagnose a condition or recommend a personal treatment plan. Discuss medical questions with a qualified professional.

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Mannitol is a diuretic medication that helps you make more pee to get rid of excess water in your body. A healthcare provider will give you this injection in a hospital or clinic setting. It treats swelling from heart, kidney or liver disease or swelling around your brain or in your eyes. The brand name of this medication is Osmitrol®.

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MANNITOL (MAN i tol) reduces swelling and pressure inside the eye or around the brain. It may also be used to help the body make more urine. It works by helping your kidneys remove more fluid and salt from your blood through the urine. It belongs to a group of medications called diuretics.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Osmitrol

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Bleeding in the brain
Dehydration
Fluid in the lungs
Heart disease
Kidney disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to mannitol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
Cisplatin
Cyclosporine
Diuretics
Lithium
Medications for infection such as acyclovir, adefovir, amphotericin B, bacitracin, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, gentamicin, pentamidine, vancomycin
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Pamidronate
Zoledronic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
High acid level—trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue, confusion, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting
High bicarbonate level—confusion, tremors or shaking, feeling faint or lightheaded, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, numbness of the face, feet, or hands
High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
High sodium level—confusion, increased thirst, muscle weakness, unusual weakness or fatigue, twitching muscles
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
Painful swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin, blisters or sores at the infusion site
Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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Peptide Therapy Guide Editorial Team