provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

Bronchitol

mannitol
Used for Cystic Fibrosis
Used for Cystic Fibrosis

Bronchitol (mannitol) is a newly approved medication to improve lung function for adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). You'll need to inhale the medication twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. And you're only able to use Bronchitol (mannitol) if you can pass a test to determine whether you can tolerate the medication.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 24, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Bronchitol (mannitol)?

What is Bronchitol (mannitol) used for?

  • Add-on treatment to improve lung function in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF)

How Bronchitol (mannitol) works

It's not known how Bronchitol (mannitol) helps to improve lung function in people with CF, but it's thought to work by thinning the mucus in your lungs so you can cough the mucus out more easily.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBronchitol
Drug ClassMucolytic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$00
GoodRx discount
$71.03
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Bronchitol (mannitol)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Cough (15%)
  • Coughing up blood (10%)
  • Pain in mouth or throat (7%)

Other Side Effects

  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Joint pain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Bronchospasm: Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing
  • Coughing up blood

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Bronchitol (mannitol)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to improve lung function

All components, including the capsules, are stored at room temperature

Inhaler is a small hand-held device that's convenient for travel

thumbs-down

Cons

Might be tricky to handle 10 capsules per dose twice a day

Available as a brand-name medication only, which can be expensive

Need to use a short-acting bronchodilator before using the medication to prevent bronchospasm

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Bronchitol (mannitol)

pharmacist

  • Make sure you understand how to give yourself Bronchitol (mannitol) properly so you don't waste any of the medication. Refer to the instructions for use or watch this helpful video to learn how to give it properly. Also, you can contact your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

    • Before every dose of Bronchitol (mannitol), you have to use a short-acting bronchodilator like albuterol (Ventolin) 5 to 15 minutes before. This will keep your airways open and help prevent bronchospasms from happening. If you end up having trouble breathing, stop using Bronchitol (mannitol) and contact your provider right away.

      • Use Bronchitol (mannitol) once in the morning and once in the evening at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

        • Remember, Bronchitol (mannitol) only works if inhaled with the provided inhaler. Never swallow the capsules by mouth since it won't work that way.

          • To clean your inhaler, wash it in warm water with the mouthpiece open. Shake the inhaler until it's mostly dry. Then, lay it on its side over a towel to air dry. Allow the inhaler to completely dry before using it again. Throw away the inhaler after 1 week and use a new one.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Bronchitol (mannitol)

            What is cystic fibrosis?
            Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that causes your mucus to be more thick and sticky. This makes it hard for your lungs to clear out mucus, which can lead to bacteria growth in your lungs, blockage of your airways, and problems in your gut. These bacteria can cause breathing problems, in addition to lung infection and damage. In your gut, this mucus can prevent digestive proteins from getting into your intestine, which lowers your body's ability to absorb nutrients. Some symptoms of CF include salty-tasting skin, a cough that doesn't go away, frequent lung infections, shortness of breath, and poor growth or weight gain. Treatment typically focuses on thinning the mucus, preventing or treating infections, and improving breathing and digestion problems. Bronchitol (mannitol) helps with improving your lung function.
            How is Bronchitol (mannitol) given?
            Bronchitol (mannitol) is available as capsules that you use with the provided inhaler. You'll need to use a short-acting bronchodilator, such as albuterol (Ventolin), 5 to 15 minutes before Bronchitol (mannitol). To prepare your dose of Bronchitol (mannitol), insert one capsule in the inhaler and pierce the capsule by pushing the sides of the inhaler. After that, inhale the contents of the pierced capsule through your mouth. For each morning and evening dose, you'll use 10 capsules individually to receive a total amount of 400 mg.
            What is the Bronchitol Tolerance Test (BTT)?
            Bronchitol (mannitol) can cause bronchospasm, which is when the muscles in your lungs tighten up and cause coughing and trouble breathing. Before starting Bronchitol (mannitol), your provider must make sure you can tolerate the medication by giving you a bronchitol tolerance test (BTT). This test is usually done in your provider's office just in case you need urgent treatment for severe allergic reactions or bronchospasm. The BTT test starts with you inhaling 1 capsule of Bronchitol (mannitol) then being monitored after 1 minute to see if you get a bronchospasm. If you don't, then you'll take 2 capsules and will be monitored again. This process continues until you take 4 capsules. If you take 4 capsules and tolerate all of them, then you pass the BTT and can use Bronchitol (mannitol).
            Can I use Bronchitol (mannitol) if I'm suddenly having trouble breathing?
            No, Bronchitol (mannitol) isn't a rescue inhaler like albuterol inhaler (Ventolin). Bronchitol (mannitol) is a mucus thinner that's used as an add-on treatment with other lung medications to help keep your airways open. You'll need to use it twice a day for it to work correctly.
            Can I use Bronchitol (mannitol) if I'm pregnant?
            There isn’t enough information available to say if Bronchitol (mannitol) is safe to take during pregnancy. In animal studies, the medication didn’t cause harm to pregnant mothers and their unborn babies. But, it’s important to note that what happens in humans might be different than what happens in animals. If you’re pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your provider about whether Bronchitol (mannitol) is right for you.
            GoodRxEducationalIcon

            How to save using GoodRx

            Compare Prices
            1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
            Select your free coupon
            2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
            Show coupon to your pharmacist
            3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
            Get free couponLearn more
            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Bronchitol (mannitol)?

            Bronchitol (mannitol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways)

            Inhaled medications, including Bronchitol (mannitol), can cause bronchospasm, which is a muscle spasm in your lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. To help prevent this, your provider will give you a test to observe you and see how you tolerate Bronchitol (mannitol) before prescribing the medication. It's important to take a short-acting bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol (Ventolin)) 5 to 15 minutes before each dose of Bronchitol (mannitol). If you become short of breath after using Bronchitol (mannitol), use your bronchodilator and get medical attention right away.

            risk-warning

            Coughing up blood

            Bronchitol (mannitol) can make you cough up blood. If this happens to you, stop using Bronchitol (mannitol) and contact your provider right away.

            dosage

            Bronchitol (mannitol) dosage forms

            The average cost for 1 kit of 560 capsules of 40mg of Bronchitol (mannitol) is $370.15 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
            kit
            Kit
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            10 capsule tolerance test of 40mg1 kit$71.03$71.03
            140 capsules of 40mg1 kit$911.40$911.40
            560 capsules of 40mg1 kit$370.15$370.15

            Typical dosing for Bronchitol (mannitol)

            The typical dose is 400 mg (10 capsules) inhaled twice a day.

            drug-cost

            How much does Bronchitol (mannitol) cost?

            To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
            Bronchitol (brand)
            GoodRx lowest price

            $71.03

            0
            View prices & coupons
            contraindications-icon

            Bronchitol (mannitol) contraindications

            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Bronchitol (mannitol) will not be safe for you to take.

            • Failure to pass the BTT

            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Bronchitol (mannitol)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bronchitol (mannitol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Bronchitol (mannitol)
            Used for:

            • Add-on treatment to improve lung function in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF)

            $71.03 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Pulmozyme (dornase alfa)
            Used for:
            $3880.82 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

            Get savings updates for Bronchitol (mannitol)

            Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Bronchitol (mannitol) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

            By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

            Browse medications

            View All

            Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.