Mannitol is used in neurosurgery and neurocritical care for the treatment of cerebral edema.
Mechanism of action
The effect of mannitol is primarily based on the osmotic activity of mannitol. The osmotic pressure thereby generated causes increased diuresis and thus leads to dehydration of the brain parenchyma and, consequently, a reduction in intracranial pressure.
Duration of action
Intracranial pressure is reduced as early as 15 minutes after the start of the mannitol infusion. The main effect begins after 30–60 minutes and persists for 3–8 hours after completion of the infusion1.
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