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Mannitol

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Osmotic diuretic
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Non-reabsorbable sugar alcohol that creates osmotic gradient in renal tubules, drawing water into urine; also reduces intracranial and intraocular pressure by creating plasma-to-tissue osmotic gradient

At a glance

Class
Osmotic diuretic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at 15–30°C; may crystallize if cold — warm to dissolve before use; use in-line filter
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1965-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Cerebral edema / Increased intracranial pressure (head trauma)
Dose
0.5–1.5 g/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Over 15–20 min; may repeat q4–6h
Max dose
60 g/dose; 180 g/day
Duration: 24–48h; 3–4 doses maximum
Acute glaucoma (reduce IOP)
Dose
1–2 g/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Over 20–30 min
Max dose
60 g/dose; 120 g/day
Duration: Single dose; effect lasts 4–6h
Oliguric acute kidney injury
Dose
0.25–1 g/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Over 15–20 min; single test dose
Max dose
40 g
Duration: If no urine production in 30–60 min, do not repeat
🐈

Cat

Cerebral edema / Acute glaucoma
Dose
0.5–1.5 g/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Over 15–20 min
Max dose
10 g/dose; 30 g/day
Duration: Single dose or up to 3 doses

Formulations

🧴

Iv solution — 2

Strength
20% (200mg/mL)
Available in India
Strength
10% (100mg/mL)
Available in India

Storage

Store at 15–30°C; may crystallize if cold — warm to dissolve before use; use in-line filter

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Anuria (established, unresponsive renal failure)
    Cannot be excreted; causes volume overload
  • Pulmonary edema / Congestive heart failure
    Volume expansion worsens congestion
  • Active intracranial bleeding
    May worsen bleeding

Use with caution

  • Dehydration
    Correct dehydration first; mannitol can worsen

Adverse effects

Common
Volume overload (initial)
Polyuria
Electrolyte imbalances
Serious
Pulmonary edema (if CHF)
Rebound cerebral edema (with repeated doses)
Acute renal failure
Hypernatremia

Monitoring parameters

Urine outputSerum osmolality (target gap < 20)Electrolytes (Na, K)Blood pressureNeurological statusIOP (if treating glaucoma)

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Furosemide
moderate
Additive diuretic effect; both cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss
Management: Used together in cerebral oedema management. Monitor hydration, electrolytes, and urine output closely.

Brands

International

Osmitol
Baxter

India

Mannitol IP
Fresenius Kabi India
Mannit
Claris/Otsuka

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Mannitol?
Mannitol is a osmotic diuretic used in pets. Non-reabsorbable sugar alcohol that creates osmotic gradient in renal tubules, drawing water into urine; also reduces intracranial and intraocular pressure by creating plasma-to-tissue osmotic gradient
›What is Mannitol used for in pets?
Mannitol is used in veterinary medicine for: Cerebral edema / Increased intracranial pressure (head trauma); Acute glaucoma (reduce IOP); Oliguric acute kidney injury; Cerebral edema / Acute glaucoma.
›What is the Mannitol dose for dogs?
For dogs, Mannitol is typically dosed as follows — Cerebral edema / Increased intracranial pressure (head trauma): 0.5–1.5 g/kg IV Over 15–20 min; may repeat q4–6h; Acute glaucoma (reduce IOP): 1–2 g/kg IV Over 20–30 min; Oliguric acute kidney injury: 0.25–1 g/kg IV Over 15–20 min; single test dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Mannitol dose for cats?
For cats, Mannitol is typically dosed as follows — Cerebral edema / Acute glaucoma: 0.5–1.5 g/kg IV Over 15–20 min. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Mannitol?
Common: Volume overload (initial), Polyuria, Electrolyte imbalances. Serious (call your vet immediately): Pulmonary edema (if CHF), Rebound cerebral edema (with repeated doses), Acute renal failure, Hypernatremia.
›Does Mannitol need a prescription?
Yes. Mannitol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Mannitol not be used?
Do not use Mannitol if: Anuria (established, unresponsive renal failure); Pulmonary edema / Congestive heart failure; Active intracranial bleeding.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →