Osmotic Diuretics

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that is used to decrease cerebral pressures in episodes of intracranial hypertension, which are usually caused by trauma or drug toxicities.  Mannitol is a hydrophilic drug that draws water into renal tubules in the kidney or from surrounding cells when present intravascularly.  Mannitol can result in hypotension, sodium concentration abnormalities, and dehydration.

Class Drugs

• Mannitol

Class Mechanism of Action

Hydrophilic structure that draws water from cells when present intravascularly and into renal tubules when excreted through the kidneys

Class Applications

Maintenance of urine flow in toxic ingestions

• Maintaining urine flow preserves long-term kidney function

Intracranial Hypertension

• Reduces intracranial pressures

• Generally used in the setting of trauma or drug toxicities

Class Adverse Effects

• Dehydration

• Hypo/Hypernatremia

• Hypotension

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Mannitol			"Man" "Tall"