Mannitol

Mannitol is a diuretic drug that is injected in order to treat conditions that are caused or exacerbated by water retention. It is commonly injected to help patients who are suffering from kidney failure. It can also be used to help eliminate poisons from the body. For example, if a patient overdoses on barbiturates or inhales carbon monoxide, this medication may be used as part of the life-saving treatment to reverse the effects of these drugs.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can cause serious breathing problems in some individuals. Some patients have a negative reaction that includes bronchospasms–these patients may have trouble breathing or trouble breathing deeply. To avoid this complication, doctors should provide patients with a small dose and observe the patient’s reaction before continuing to administer the drug.