Hyperosmotics for glaucoma

Examples

Generic Name
mannitol

This medication is given through a needle into a vein (intravenous).

How It Works

Hyperosmotics draw water out of the fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eyes, decreasing the amount of fluid inside the eyes.

Why It Is Used

Hyperosmotics are usually used in emergencies to rapidly reduce pressure in the eyes, most often during episodes of closed-angle glaucoma. These medications can also be used to lower the pressure in the eyes before or after glaucoma surgery.

How Well It Works

This medication dries out the eye by changing the chemical balance in the bloodstream, causing water to be drawn out of the eye. Decreasing the fluid in the eye results in decreased pressure in the eye. However, this effect does not last long.

Side Effects

Possible serious side effects of hyperosmotic medication include:

• Heart failure.
• Bleeding within the brain.
• Impaired kidney function.

Less serious side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Headache.
• Confusion.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

This medication is not used for long-term treatment of glaucoma. It is used in emergency situations when pressure in the eyes needs to be reduced rapidly. Because this medication has serious side effects, people are monitored closely while they are being treated with this medication.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Carrie Henley Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: August 31, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
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