[ noun ] a diuretic (trade name Osmitrol) used to promote the excretion of urine <noun.artifact>
mannitol \man"ni*tol\, n. [Mannite + -ol.] 1. (Chem.) A white crystalline hexose ({HO.CH2.(CHOH)4.CH2.OH}) of a sweet taste obtained from a so-called manna, the dried sap of the flowering ash ({Fraxinus ornus}); -- called also {mannite}, and {hydroxy hexane}. Cf. {Dulcite}. It is used in pharmacy as excipient and diluent for solids and liquids. It is also used as a food additive for anti-caking properties, or as a sweetener, and, illegally, to "cut" (dilute) illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
Investigations by the state Department of Health and Camden County Prosecutor Samuel Asbell show that a technician accidently gave the patients an injection of the painkiller lidocaine instead of mannitol, which regulates blood pressure.