Bronchitol
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.
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
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Joint pain
Bronchitol (mannitol) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Bronchospasm: Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing
- Coughing up blood
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Pros and cons of Bronchitol (mannitol)
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
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 for Bronchitol (mannitol)
- 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.
Common questions about Bronchitol (mannitol)
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Bronchitol (mannitol) dosage
Kit| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 560 capsules of 40mg | 10 kits | $3,516.11 | $351.61 |
| 140 capsules of 40mg | 1 kit | $883.71 | $883.71 |
| 10 capsule tolerance test of 40mg | 1 kit | $68.85 | $68.85 |
Typical dosage for Bronchitol (mannitol)
The typical dose is 400 mg (10 capsules) inhaled twice a day.
How much does Bronchitol (mannitol) cost?
$68.85
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
