The Mannitol Shortage in 2026: What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one depends on Mannitol for treatment of brain swelling, high eye pressure, or another critical condition, you've probably heard that this medication has been hard to find. The reality is that the Mannitol shortage has been going on for years, and it's still affecting hospitals and patients in 2026.

In this update, we'll cover the current state of the shortage, why it's happening, what it means for costs, and what you can do to make sure you get the care you need.

Is Mannitol Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Mannitol remains on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage list. Specifically:

• ICU Medical — the primary U.S. supplier — has Mannitol 20% (200 mg/mL) premixed IV bags in 250 mL and 500 mL sizes on allocation
• "On allocation" means hospitals can only order limited quantities based on their historical purchasing patterns
• The shortage was first reported in 2023 and has continued with no firm resolution date announced

The ASHP recommends hospitals follow their Suggestions for Management and Conservation during Fluid Shortages, which includes prioritizing Mannitol for patients who need it most and considering alternatives when clinically appropriate.

Why Is Mannitol Still Hard to Find?

The Mannitol shortage is part of a larger problem with IV fluid supply chains in the United States. Here's what's driving it:

• Concentrated manufacturing: Only a few companies make IV Mannitol in the U.S., with ICU Medical being the dominant supplier. This lack of competition means one company's production issues can affect the entire market.
• IV fluid production bottlenecks: Manufacturing sterile IV solutions requires specialized facilities. The industry has been running at near-maximum capacity, leaving little room to absorb disruptions.
• Rising demand: Aging populations and increased critical care needs have pushed demand higher, while supply hasn't kept pace.
• Raw material constraints: The components needed for IV bags, tubing, and the Mannitol solution itself face their own supply chain challenges.

For a deeper dive into the causes, read our article on why Mannitol is so hard to find.

How Much Does Mannitol Cost in 2026?

Because Mannitol IV is primarily a hospital-administered medication, most patients don't pay for it directly — it's typically included in your hospital bill as part of facility charges. However, understanding the costs can help you know what to expect:

• Generic Mannitol 20% IV (250 mL bag): approximately $12–$30
• Generic Mannitol 20% IV (500 mL bag): approximately $25–$60
• Mannitol 25% IV (1,250 mL): approximately $135
• Bronchitol (inhaled Mannitol for CF): approximately $3,826 for a 28-day supply without insurance

During shortages, prices can fluctuate. If you're concerned about costs — especially for Bronchitol — check out our guide on how to save money on Mannitol.

Are There New Options in 2026?

While no new forms of Mannitol have been introduced, the medical community has increasingly embraced Hypertonic Saline as a reliable alternative for many of Mannitol's uses:

• 3% Hypertonic Saline is now used routinely in many ICUs for intracranial pressure management
• 23.4% Hypertonic Saline is reserved for acute, severe brain swelling emergencies
• Updated clinical guidelines now often list Hypertonic Saline alongside Mannitol as a first-line option

Other alternatives like Furosemide (Lasix), Glycerol, and Acetazolamide (Diamox) continue to play supporting roles. Read our full guide to Mannitol alternatives for details.

How to Find Mannitol in Stock

If you need Mannitol and want to check whether it's available, here are your best options:

1. Use Medfinder — Search for Mannitol to see real-time availability information. This is the fastest way to check supply status.
2. Talk to your hospital pharmacy — They have direct access to wholesaler inventory and allocation information.
3. Ask about compounding — Some hospital pharmacies and 503B outsourcing facilities can compound Mannitol solutions when commercial supply is unavailable.
4. Consider alternative facilities — If you have a choice of hospitals for an elective procedure, your doctor may be able to check Mannitol availability at different facilities.

For more detailed tips, see our article on how to find Mannitol in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Mannitol shortage is frustrating, but it's manageable. Hospitals have adapted by using alternatives like Hypertonic Saline, conserving supply for the patients who need it most, and working with multiple suppliers to secure inventory.

As a patient or caregiver, the best things you can do are:

• Stay informed — Bookmark Medfinder and check back regularly for updates
• Communicate with your care team — Ask about the plan if Mannitol isn't available
• Know your alternatives — Understanding the options helps you feel more in control

We'll continue updating this page as the shortage situation evolves. For the latest information, visit Medfinder.