ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/mannitol-20-injectable
US brand names:Osmitrol 20%
Mannitol 20% Injectable is dosed at 500–1000 mg/kg IV Over 15-20 min; may repeat q4-6h x 2-3 doses in dogs, per Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; VECCS Head Trauma Guidelines. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Osmotically active sugar alcohol that increases plasma osmolality, drawing fluid from brain and ocular tissues. Also promotes osmotic diuresis in renal tubules.
For acute head trauma/glaucoma emergencies. Crystallizes at low temperature — warm and use in-line filter. Contraindicated in anuric renal failure and pulmonary edema.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 500–1000 mg/kg | Over 15-20 min; may repeat q4-6h x 2-3 doses | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; VECCS Head Trauma Guidelines |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 500–1000 mg/kg | Over 15-20 min | Moderate | DiFazio J, Fletcher DJ. Updates in the Management of the Small Animal Patient with Neurologic Trauma. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43(4):915-940. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.03.002; Pigott A, Rudloff E. Traumatic Brain Injury-A Review of Intravenous Fluid Therapy. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:643800. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.643800 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.822 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.