Mannitol

Mannitol in Medications

Mannitol: A Common Pharmaceutical Ingredient
Mannitol is used in medications as a sweetener, diluent, or osmotic agent.
It does not treat medical conditions in small amounts, but it plays an important role in tablet formation, taste masking, and product stability.

What Is Mannitol?

Mannitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol (polyol) derived from plants or synthesized. In pharmaceuticals, it is purified for use as an excipient.
It may appear under several ingredient names on medication labels.

Why Is Mannitol Used in Medications?

Mannitol is used because it:

  • Acts as a filler/diluent in tablets and capsules
  • Provides sweetness without promoting tooth decay
  • Improves mouthfeel in chewables or orally disintegrating tablets
  • Offers low hygroscopicity for stability

These properties make it useful in both prescription and over-the-counter products.

Ingredient Names to Look For

Mannitol may be listed as:

  • Mannitol
  • D-Mannitol
  • Pearlitol (brand name for pharmaceutical grade)

Where Does Mannitol Appear?

It is commonly found in:

  • Chewable tablets
  • Orally disintegrating tablets
  • Tablets and capsules as filler
  • Some lyophilized/injectable formulations (higher doses for osmotic effect)

How to Check a Medication’s Ingredient List

Ingredient lists can vary by manufacturer and dosage form.
Use PillParser to scan a medication and view its ingredient list.





Adding the manufacturer filters generics (fillers/dyes often differ).

To keep PillParser free, anonymous scans are limited.


Understanding ingredient differences is especially important for individuals with known sensitivities. RxAllergyScan.com allows users to compare medication ingredients against their personal allergen profile.

Educational Note

This page provides educational information only and does not make medical claims.