Dmannitol

D-mannitol, also known as D-glucitol, is a hexitol sugar alcohol derived from mannose. It exists as the naturally occurring enantiomer and is widely used in medicine and industry. Its chemical formula is C6H14O6.

D-mannitol occurs naturally in small amounts in several plants and in brown algae. Commercially, it is produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of mannose, which is typically derived from starch or corn via isomerization.

In medicine, D-mannitol is used as an osmotic diuretic administered intravenously to reduce intracranial or intraocular pressure and to promote diuresis in certain renal conditions. It can be used as a vehicle or excipient in intravenous solutions. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, mannitol serves as a non-cariogenic sweetener and bulking agent; as a polyol it contributes to texture and stability but is not fully absorbed in the gut, which can produce laxative effects at high doses. Mannitol is also used as an excipient in tablets and as a cryoprotectant in some formulations.

Safety and regulation: Mannitol is generally recognized as safe when used appropriately. Potential adverse effects include fluid and electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is contraindicated in conditions where diuresis would be dangerous, such as anuria or severe dehydration, and used with caution in patients with renal impairment.