Osmotic Diuretics

5. Osmotic Diuretics
Osmotic diuretics, like mannitol (IV), are distributed into the ECF and are freely filtered into the glomerulus. This allows the water to be drawn out from cells. The drug can act on all sites of the nephron permeable to water.

Osmotic diuretics can be used to treat:
-edema
-increased intracranial pressure
-increased intraocular pressure
-adjunct to cisplatin (minimize nephrotoxicity)

Adverse effects of osmotic diuretics include:
-ECF expansion
-headache
-dizziness
-nausea and vomiting
-pulmonary edema
-hyponatremia
-dehydration and hypovolemia
-nephrotoxicity

Contradictions to osmotic diuretics include:
-allergy
-severe dehydration
-severe renal disease
-renal dysfunction
-active cranial bleeding
-progressive heart failure
-pulmonary edema