Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure for treatment of cerebral edema, especially after head trauma.
Mannitol works by elevating blood plasma osmolality, resulting in enhanced flow of water from tissues, including the brain and cerebrospinal fluid, into interstitial fluid and plasma. It is an antiglaucoma agent and used for the promotion of diuresis before irreversible renal failure becomes established.
Storage>
Injection form (5% to 25% solution): store at controlled room temperature. Solutions of 15% or higher may crystallize at temperatures below 25° C (77° F) but will resolubilize when warmed to 70° C to 80° C (158° F to 176° F) in a water bath. A reheated solution must be allowed to cool to body temperature prior to administration. Microwaves had been used to reheat mannitol, but extreme caution is indicated as explosions of ampules have been reported. Sterility cannot be guaranteed if frozen.
