Mannitol is available under the brand name Osmitrol [1][2].
What is Osmitrol used for?
Osmitrol (mannitol) is used to reduce the pressure inside the eye and the brain. It is also employed to help patients produce urine. This medication is typically administered intravenously [1][3].
How does mannitol work?
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic. When given intravenously, it increases the osmolarity of the plasma. This osmotic gradient draws water from the intracellular fluid into the extracellular fluid and plasma, thereby reducing intracellular fluid volume, including in the brain. This reduction in brain volume leads to a decrease in intracranial pressure [3][4]. In the kidneys, mannitol acts by increasing the osmolarity of the glomerular filtrate, which inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and water, thus increasing urine output [3][4].
Are there other uses for mannitol?
Beyond its use in ophthalmology and neurosurgery to reduce pressure, mannitol has been investigated for various other applications. These include its potential role in preventing acute kidney injury [5] and in managing certain neurological conditions [6].
What are the potential side effects of mannitol?
Common side effects associated with mannitol administration can include headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness [1]. More serious adverse reactions, though less common, can involve fluid and electrolyte imbalances, such as dehydration, sodium loss, and potassium loss [4]. Allergic reactions are also possible [1].
When does the patent for mannitol expire?
Mannitol is an old drug, with its initial patents having long since expired. For example, U.S. Patent 2,585,144 for mannitol, filed in 1949, expired in 1971 [7]. As an established medication, it is not subject to current patent protection for its basic use or composition.
What is the typical cost of mannitol?
As a widely available generic medication, the cost of mannitol can vary based on factors such as dosage, concentration, and the healthcare provider or facility administering it. It is generally considered an affordable option for its therapeutic indications.
Who manufactures Osmitrol?
The brand name Osmitrol for mannitol is manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corporation [2].
What are alternatives to mannitol for reducing intracranial pressure?
Alternative treatments for reducing intracranial pressure include hypertonic saline solutions, corticosteroids (though their efficacy in this specific context can be debated), and surgical interventions [8]. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the increased intracranial pressure.
Can mannitol be used in pediatric patients?
Mannitol can be used in pediatric patients for indications similar to adults, such as reducing intracranial pressure. Dosing and administration are adjusted based on the child's weight and clinical condition [9].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/mannitol-brand-names-uses-side-effects-3074958/
[2] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7590/mannitol-intravenous/details
[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mannitol-injection
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538264/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17434000/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6080012/
[7] https://patents.google.com/patent/US2585144A/en
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137636/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7589079/