Mannitol 18%: what it is used for, price and side effects

Il mannitol it's a simple carbohydrate very widespread in the plant world, in fact large quantities of it are found in the manna of the ash, in the laminaria and in the fucus (seaweed), in fig, celery and some mushrooms.

Mannitol can be taken orally or for injecting (intravenous infusion). The solutions of mannitol al 10 and 18% are hypertonic intravenous solutions to be administered with caution at a controlled rate of perfusion.

What is it for?

Il mannitol 18% is used as diuretic to force the production of urine in people with acute kidney failure.

Mannitol injection is also used for reduce swelling and pressure inside the eye or in some areas of the brain.

The posology depends on age, weight e clinical conditions past; the dosage must be between 50 and 200 g of mannitol within 24 h and the rate should be monitored to maintain a diuresis of at least 30/50 ml / hour.

Side effects

Mannitol 18% is not recommended in cases of severe renal impairment, congestion and pulmonary edemia, cerebral haemorrhages and in cases of severe dehydration.

Potential side effects include:

- hydroelectrolytic disorders and acid-basal balance

-heart failure

urinary retention

headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, fever

-tachycardia and anginal pains

-infections at the injection site

thrombosis or phlebitis

Precautions for use

The 18% mannitol solution for injection must be clear, colorless and must be allowed to cool before use; Mannitol 18% should not be administered concomitantly with blood transfusions due to the risk of agglutination.

It is always necessary to monitor renal function to prevent osmotic nephrosis and diuresis to avoid heart failure.

For those who play sports, mannitol 18% can be considered doping without the correct therapeutic need.

Interactions with other drugs

You should not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before consulting your doctor or pharmacist, and you should always tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking.

Serious interactions

- tobramycin

Moderate interactions

- diclorfenamide

- lurasidone

- rectal nitroglycerin

- inhaled tobramycin

Mild interactions

- magnesium chloride

- magnesium citrate

- magnesium hydroxide

- magnesium oxide

- magnesium sulphate

Price

Mannitol 18% 500 vials ml has a very low cost, approx 4/5 € per pack depending on the brands.

Conclusions

Mannitol 18% is a drug to be administered intravenously; it is used as a diuretic in cases of fairly serious diseases and can have various side effects and some interactions with other drugs, so you must always be careful and follow the prescriptions of your doctor.