How Do Osmotic Diuretics Work?

Osmotic diuretics are a class of drugs that increase the production of urine (diuresis) in people with sudden kidney problems. Osmotic diuretics produce diuresis by increasing the osmotic pressure within the kidney. When osmotic pressure increases, the water is not reabsorbed by the kidney anymore, and it is excreted out of the body, along with sodium and potassium to some extent. The forced diuresis also helps to reduce pressure inside the brain and eye.

Osmotic diuretics are mainly administered via intravenous route and are used to treat:

• Intracranial pressure (increased pressure in the brain) associated with brain mass
• Intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eye)
• Anuria/oliguria (unable to pass urine/passes less urine)

Common side effects of osmotic diuretics include:

• Chest pain
• Congestive heart failure
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Phlebitis (inflammation of the vein)
• Convulsions
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Acidosis (accumulation of acid in the bloodstream)
• Fluid/electrolyte imbalance
• Thirst
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Urinary retention
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Hives
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Fever

Drug names include:

• Mannitol
• Osmitrol