Wednesday December 16, 2009

Q: What is the mechanism of action of Mannitol in control of Intracranial Hypertension (Increase ICP)?


A; Immediately after bolus administration Mannitol expands circulating volume by help of osmotic forces, decreases blood viscosity, resulting in reflex vasoconstriction and lowering of intracranial pressure. Its osmotic properties take effect in 15-30 minutes when it sets up an osmotic gradient and draws water out of neurons.