Compare Mannitol vs. Lasix
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Bronchitol (mannitol) and Furosemide (Lasix) are both prescription medications, but they serve very different purposes. Bronchitol (mannitol) is a mucolytic agent used to improve lung function in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) by thinning mucus, making it easier to cough out. It is inhaled twice a day using a special inhaler. On the other hand, Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic, or water pill, that helps reduce swelling and lower blood pressure by making you urinate more. It is taken orally, either as a tablet or liquid, typically once or twice daily. Bronchitol (mannitol) requires a tolerance test before use to ensure you can handle the medication, while Furosemide (Lasix) does not have such a requirement. Additionally, Bronchitol (mannitol) is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Furosemide (Lasix) is available in a lower-cost generic form. Both medications have specific side effects and risks, but they target different conditions and work in distinct ways.
- Bronchitol (mannitol)Furosemide (Lasix)
- Bronchitol (mannitol)Furosemide (Lasix)
Summary of Mannitol vs. Lasix
Summary for Mucolytic agentPrescription onlyBronchitol (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.
Summary for Diuretic (water pill)Prescription onlyFurosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic, a type of water pill. Furosemide (Lasix) is used to relieve swelling from extra fluids in children and adults. This medication can also lower blood pressure, though it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Furosemide (Lasix) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It's also available as an oral solution for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Furosemide (Lasix) will cause you to urinate more often as a side effect, so it's best to not take this medication too close to bedtime.
Indications of Mannitol vs. Lasix
Indications for•Add-on treatment to improve lung function in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF)Indications for•Swelling (edema) due to heart failure, liver problems, or kidney problemsPros and Cons of Mannitol vs. Lasix
Pros and Const for Mucolytic agentPros•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 travelCons•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 bronchospasmPros and Const for Diuretic (water pill)Pros•Starts working within an hour after you take it•Available in liquid form for children or people who have trouble swallowing pills•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•Not a good choice for people with a sulfa allergy•Might cause you to urinate in the middle of the night if you take it later in the day•Can make you more dizzy and raise your risk for falling downCommon Side Effects of Mannitol vs. Lasix
Common Side Effects for•Cough (15%)•Coughing up blood (10%)•Pain in mouth or throat (7%)Common Side Effects for•Urinating more often•Dizziness•Headache•Feeling off balance when you get up suddenly•Skin sensitive to the sunWarnings of Mannitol vs. Lasix
Common Side Effects for•Bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways)•Coughing up bloodCommon Side Effects for•Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance•Caution in people with liver problems•Hearing problems•Problems with urination•Allergic reaction•GoutPrices with our coupons for Mannitol vs. Lasix
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