How to Check Mannitol Stock Without Calling Every Pharmacy

If you need Mannitol and your usual pharmacy is out of stock, you are not alone. Mannitol — particularly the IV 20% premixed bags — has been on allocation and experiencing shortages since 2023. ICU Medical, the primary supplier, has had ongoing manufacturing constraints that have left hospitals and pharmacies scrambling for supply.

The good news is you do not have to call every pharmacy in town to find it. There are online tools that can help you check stock from your phone or computer.

Why Mannitol Is Hard to Find Right Now

Mannitol IV has experienced intermittent shortages since 2014, and the situation intensified between 2023 and 2025 as part of broader IV fluid supply chain disruptions. ICU Medical's premixed 20% solution in 250 mL and 500 mL bags has been on allocation, meaning pharmacies and hospitals receive limited quantities. For a detailed breakdown of what is driving the shortage, see our full explainer on why Mannitol is hard to find.

Because of these supply issues, checking availability before showing up — or sending your care team to pick it up — saves significant time and frustration.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is built specifically for situations like this. You can search for Mannitol and see which pharmacies near you currently have it in stock. It is especially useful for medications that are in shortage or hard to find, which is exactly the situation with Mannitol right now.

2. Check Pharmacy Apps and Websites

Major pharmacy chains have apps and websites where you can search for medications:

• CVS — Use the CVS app or website to check prescription status and drug availability
• Walgreens — The Walgreens app allows you to search for medications and transfer prescriptions
• Walmart Pharmacy — Walmart's website lets you look up drug pricing and availability
• Rite Aid — Their online tools allow prescription transfers and availability checks

Keep in mind that for a hospital-administered medication like IV Mannitol, retail pharmacy availability may be limited. These tools are more useful for Bronchitol (inhaled Mannitol) or if your facility sources from retail distributors.

3. Use GoodRx for Price and Availability

GoodRx shows pricing at pharmacies near you, which can also indicate availability. If a pharmacy lists a price for Mannitol, it is a good sign they stock it. GoodRx also offers coupons that can help with out-of-pocket costs.

4. Check Hospital Pharmacy Directly Online

Many hospital systems have patient portals where you can message your care team about medication availability. If you are receiving IV Mannitol as part of a treatment plan, your hospital's pharmacy department is the most reliable source for checking supply.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a quick phone call is the fastest option. Here are tips for calling pharmacies efficiently:

• Call early in the morning — Pharmacy staff are less busy and more likely to have time to check stock.
• Have your prescription details ready — Know the exact formulation you need (for example, Mannitol 20% 250 mL IV bag or Bronchitol 40 mg inhalation capsules).
• Ask about alternative formulations — If the 250 mL bags are out, the pharmacy may have 500 mL bags or a different concentration.
• Ask about expected restock dates — Pharmacies on allocation often know when their next shipment is coming.
• Call specialty pharmacies for Bronchitol — Inhaled Mannitol is typically dispensed through specialty pharmacies, not regular retail pharmacies.

Once You Find Mannitol in Stock

When you locate a pharmacy or hospital with Mannitol available, act quickly:

• Have your prescription transferred — Your doctor's office or current pharmacy can transfer your prescription electronically or by phone.
• Ask them to hold your supply — During a shortage, stock can move fast. Ask the pharmacy to set aside your medication.
• Consider ordering a larger supply — If your insurance and the pharmacy allow it, filling a 90-day supply (for Bronchitol) can protect you from future stock-outs.
• Explore savings options — Bronchitol costs approximately $3,826 for a 28-day supply without insurance. Check out savings programs and coupons to lower your cost.

For providers managing supply at the facility level, our provider guide to finding Mannitol in stock covers institutional sourcing strategies.

Final Thoughts

Checking Mannitol availability does not have to mean calling 20 pharmacies. Tools like Medfinder, pharmacy apps, and GoodRx can save you time and get you answers faster. During an ongoing shortage, being proactive about checking stock and having backup plans is the best way to make sure you get the medication you need.