General
Do not connect flexible plastic containers of intravenous solutions in series,
i.e., do not piggyback connections. Such use could result in air embolism due
to residual air being drawn from one container before administration of the
fluid from a secondary container is completed.
Pressurizing intravenous solutions contained in flexible plastic containers
to increase flow rates can result in air embolism if the residual air in the
container is not fully evacuated prior to administration.
Use of a vented intravenous administration set with the vent in the open position
could result in air embolism. Vented intravenous administration sets with the
vent in the open position should not be used with flexible plastic containers.
The cardiovascular status of the patient should be carefully evaluated before
rapidly administrating mannitol since sudden expansion of the extracellular
fluid may lead to fulminating congestive heart failure.
Shift of sodium free intracellular fluid into the extracellular compartment
following mannitol infusion may lower serum sodium concentration and aggravate
preexisting hyponatremia.
By sustaining diuresis, mannitol administration may obscure and intensify inadequate
hydration or hypovolemia.
Electrolyte free mannitol should not be given conjointly with blood. If it
is essential that blood be given simultaneously, at least 20 mEq of sodium chloride
should be added to each liter of mannitol solution to avoid pseudoagglutination.
When exposed to low temperatures, solutions of mannitol may crystallize. Concentrations
greater than 15% have a greater tendency to crystallization. Inspect for crystals
prior to administration. If crystals are visible, redissolve by warming the
solution up to 70°C, with agitation. Allow the solution to cool to room
temperature before reinspection for crystals. Administer intravenously using
sterile, filter-type administration set.
Laboratory Tests
Although blood levels of mannitol can be measured, there is little if any clinical
virtue in doing so.
The appropriate monitoring of blood levels of sodium and potassium; degree
of hemoconcentration or hemodilution, if any; indices of renal, cardiac and
pulmonary function are paramount in avoiding excessive fluid and electrolyte
shifts. The routine features of physical examination and clinical chemistries
suffice in achieving an adequate degree of appropriate patient monitoring.
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility
Studies with Osmitrol Injection (Mannitol Injection, USP) have not been performed
to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential, or effects on fertility.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted
with mannitol. It is also not known whether mannitol can cause fetal harm when
administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Mannitol
should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Labor and Delivery
Studies have not been conducted to evaluate the effects of Osmitrol Injection
(Mannitol Injection, USP) on labor and delivery. Caution should be exercised
when administering this drug during labor and delivery.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs
are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when mannitol is administered
to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 have not been established.
Usage in Children
Dosage requirements for patients 12 years of age and under have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of Osmitrol Injection (Mannitol Injection, USP) did not include
sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond
differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not
identified differences in the responses between elderly and younger patients.
In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually
starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency
of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease
or drug therapy.
This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk
of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal
function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function,
care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal
function.
Last updated on RxList: 3/4/2009