Mannitol Injection 20%

GENERIC NAME:

Mannitol

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Mannitol is a diuretic used in dogs and cats. The drug causes the body to produce more urine by not allowing water and some electrolytes to be resorbed. It is also used to decrease pressure on the brain, or in the eye (in glaucoma cases). Mannitol is given by injection at your veterinary clinic.

WHAT IS THIS DRUG?

• Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic
• Not registered for use in dogs and cats but is commonly used in veterinary medicine
• Mannitol is given by injection while your pet is hospitalized

REASONS FOR PRESCRIBING:

• Used to promote higher urine production (or diuresis) in cases of kidney failure where no urine is being produced
• Promotes the excretion of toxic substances
• Used in glaucoma cases to decrease pressure in the eye
• Used to decrease pressure on the brain
• Used to rapidly reduce swelling (edema) and ascites (fluid in the abdomen)

Close monitoring of electrolyte and fluid balance is needed while your pet is on this drug.
Several injections or infusions of Mannitol may be necessary over 48 hours.
Water will need to be withheld for the first few hours after administration.

WHAT IF A DOSE IS MISSED?

Not applicable

STORAGE AND WARNINGS:

Store at controlled room temperature between 15° and 30°C (between 59° and 86°F).
If crystals form in the vial, warming the vial will dissolve the crystals. Cool to body temperature before administration.
Mannitol is offered in single dose vials which contain no preservatives. If the entire contents are not used after opening the vial, discard the remainder.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally are injected with this product.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS:

• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (abnormally high or low blood levels of potassium, sodium or calcium)
• Possible nausea, vomiting, pulmonary edema (excessive fluid in lungs), dizziness, headache, heart disorders
• If the drug is injected accidentally outside the vein, inflammation and thrombophlebitis (vein swelling due to blood clot) can occur
• If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian

CAN THIS DRUG BE GIVEN WITH OTHER DRUGS?

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur with lithium
• Care should be taken if your pet is also receiving blood products to ensure agglutination of the blood does not occur
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

OVERDOSING?

If your pet receives an overdose, too much sodium, potassium and chloride may be excreted in the urine causing fluid build-up in the lungs.

WHAT DOGS/CATS SHOULD NOT RECEIVE THIS MEDICATION?

• Severely dehydrated pets
• Pets with bleeding in the brain
• Pets with certain lung diseases, severe congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema
• Patients unable to produce urine due to kidney disease. Some kidney function with urine output is necessary for this drug to work.

WHAT TO TELL/ASK VETERINARIAN BEFORE YOUR PET RECEIVES THIS MEDICATION?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When will your pet need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• Risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medicines can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, Mannitol should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about Mannitol. If you have any questions or concerns about Mannitol or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.