Mannitol injection

What is this medicine?

MANNITOL (MAN i tawl) is a diuretic. It is used to reduce pressure and swelling around the brain and in the eyes. It is also used to prevent or treat kidney failure. This medicine is also used during some urology procedures.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein or into the urethra. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as infants for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• confusion

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalance like severe diarrhea; unusual sweating; vomiting; loss of appetite; increased thirst

• signs and symptoms of kidney injury like trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• signs and symptoms of low potassium like muscle cramps; muscle pain; chest pain; dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; palpitations; breathing problems; or fast, irregular heartbeat

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• unusually weak or tired

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

• dry mouth

• increased thirst

• pain, redness or irritation at the site where injected

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cisplatin

• cyclosporine

• diuretics

• lithium

• medicines for infection like acyclovir, adefovir, amphotericin B, bacitracin, cidofovir, foscarnet, ganciclovir, gentamicin, pentamidine, vancomycin

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• pamidronate

• zoledronic acid

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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 medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.