Mannitol is a diuretic medication that promotes urination and reduces intracranial and intraocular pressure. It is used to treat acute kidney failure, flush out toxins, and evaluate kidney function. Learn about its warnings, side effects, and dosage. Mannitol IV 20% Injection is a medicine used in the treatment of acute renal (kidney) failure, cerebral edema (accumulation of excessive fluid in the brain) and to reduce the pressure inside the eyes in a condition called glaucoma. Mannitol is a type of sugar alcohol that is used as a low calorie sweetener and a medication to lower pressure in the eyes, brain and kidneys. It is also used in cardiac surgery, as a laxative, and as a bronchial irritant for asthma diagnosis. Mannitol is FDA-approved for the reduction of intracranial pressure associated with cerebral edema and the reduction of intraocular pressure. Mannitol is also administered via inhalation as adjunctive therapy in cystic fibrosis.
