Diuretic drugs have a different structure, but have one common property. They increase the amount of fluid that is eliminated from the body. Otherwise, they are called osmotic diuretics. These medicines are used in the treatment of hypertension, pathologies of the cardiovascular system. In addition, their use is justified for any other disorders accompanied by swelling of organs and tissues. Among all osmotic diuretics , Mannitol is the most popular. It is about him that will be discussed in this article.
Mannitol - what is it?
"Mannitol" is a drug with a pronounced diuretic effect. Also, the composition significantly increases the amount of blood circulating in the body. The main indications for its use are status epilepticus, high intracranial pressure, renal failure.
The role of the active component of the drug is the substance of the same name - mannitol. Among the auxiliary ingredients, the instruction notes sodium chloride, sodium sulfacyl, flavacridine hydrochloride. Pharmaceutical companies produce a drug in the form of a solution for intravenous injection. It goes on sale in glass bottles of various sizes.
Pharmacological properties
Instructions for use "Mannitol" is characterized as a drug with a diuretic effect. The diuretic effect is due to an increase in the osmotic pressure of the plasma and a decrease in the reabsorption of water. The use of the drug for therapeutic purposes promotes the transfer of fluid from tissues to blood vessels. Such a result is expected by patients with high pressure in these organs.
The diuretic effect is dose dependent. An increase in the volume of the drug directly affects the amount of osmotically free liquid, chlorine and sodium removed. With azotemia in patients with cirrhosis or ascites, the use of the medication is impractical. Its use can provoke hyponatremia, so self-treatment is unacceptable. During therapy, the doctor should constantly monitor the content of sodium / potassium in the blood serum, as well as diuresis and blood pressure.
Indications for appointment
Instructions for use "Mannitol" recommends use for the following disorders and diseases:
- renal failure;
- glaucoma attack;
- acute liver failure;
- increased intraocular pressure ;
- chemical poisoning.
Also, the solution of "Mannitol" is used during surgery with extracorporeal circulation, to prevent hemoglobinemia.
Mode of application
The diuretic is administered intravenously drip or jet. Previously, it is recommended to heat it to body temperature. The dosage regimen is determined by the doctor, taking into account the patient's condition and his disease. For preventive purposes, the drug is prescribed at a rate of 500 mg per kilogram of weight, for therapeutic purposes - 1.5 g per kilogram of weight. The daily dosage should not exceed 180 g.
During surgery using extracorporeal circulation, a patient is injected with 20-40 g of solution immediately before surgery. For patients with oliguria, the medicine is first given slowly by drip over a period of five minutes. The dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. If within three hours after the injection no increase in diuresis to 45 ml / g is observed, the drug is canceled.
Contraindications and side effects
What does the instructions for use say about contraindications? "Mannitol" is not recommended for use with the following pathologies:
- hemorrhagic stroke;
- dehydration of the body;
- left ventricular failure;
- pulmonary edema;
- acute tubular necrosis;
- subarachnoid hemorrhage.
With extreme caution, the medicine is prescribed for pregnant and lactating women. The use of the medication is permissible only under the supervision of a physician. The specialist should weigh the risk ratio for the baby and the benefits for the mother.
Side effect information
Before starting therapy, you must familiarize yourself with the annotation to the drug. What does the instructions for use say about side effects? Mannitol, if the permissible dosage is exceeded, can cause dehydration. Therefore, the use of the medication is permissible only under the supervision of a doctor. Dyspepsia, thirst, low blood pressure, cramps - these symptoms indicate a change in water-electrolyte balance in the body. Taking the drug should be stopped and consult a doctor. The specialist should adjust the treatment regimen or appoint a synonym for the medication.
Available analogues
Considering the description of the drug "Mannitol" (what it is, how and for what purpose it is prescribed), it is important to pay attention to its analogues. Despite the good tolerability of the medication, it is not suitable for everyone. If during the treatment period the patient develops a headache and vision problems, stop taking it. In especially serious cases, the doctor will schedule an examination to rule out complications such as subdural bleeding.
Similar in its mechanism of action and pharmacological properties to Mannitol is a lyophilisate for the preparation of the Urea infusion solution. Among other analogues of the drug, Mannit deserved positive reviews. This is a drug used to increase urine volume. Pharmaceutical companies release it in the form of an injection. Mannitol and Mannitol are identical drugs. Their use is justified with increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, glaucoma and other disorders. The only difference is adverse reactions. Reception of "Mannitol" is sometimes accompanied by a violation of water-electrolyte balance and the appearance of symptoms characteristic of this condition. Exceeding the recommended dosage of Mannitol during treatment can lead to the development of thrombophlebitis and tachycardia. From a medical point of view, Mannitol is safer.
Price, drug reviews
Consumer opinions about the drug are found with both positive and negative colors. An important advantage of a diuretic is its low price. For example, for a bottle (200 ml) you will have to pay only 100 rubles. Patient reviews confirm that the drug fully performs the functions assigned to it. Side effects are extremely rare.
Negative reviews are most often due to the method of use of the drug "Mannitol". Pills for many are the preferred treatment option. This diuretic is made only in the form of a solution for injection. Therefore, patients are forced to abandon it, replacing with analogues.
In conclusion, it should be noted that Mannitol is an effective osmotic diuretic. Yet this is a drug. Therefore, before using it, you must read the instructions. Be healthy!