What it means
A sugar alcohol that stays in the blood and kidney tubules and pulls water along with it. By IV it is used to lower pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressurein-truh-KRAY-nee-ul PRESH-erThe pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.intra- insidecrani/o skull-al relating toFull entry ) and inside the eye, and sometimes to keep urine flowing. Because it first pulls fluid into the blood vessels, it can overload the heart and lungs. An inhaled powder form (Bronchitol) helps clear mucus in cystic fibrosis.
For the nurse
Look at the solution before giving it: crystals can form when it is cold, and the IV is given through an in-line filter. Watch urine output, lung sounds, sodium and potassium, and kidney function, and report crackles or shortness of breath. In a client with raised intracranial pressure, track the neurological checks.
At a glance
| Drug class | osmotic diuretic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Osmitrol, Bronchitol |
| Spanish | manitol |
| Also written | Osmitrol, Bronchitol |
Related terms
diuretic
A drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.
intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.
cystic fibrosis
An inherited disease in which the body makes thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, pancreas and other organs.