Prolonged Control of Increased Intracranial Pressure With Glycerin

Glycerin, an oral osmotic agent, causes rapid dehydration of brain without hemolysis, overshoot rehydration of the central nervous system, and electrolyte disturbance or immunosuppression. It can be used effectively for prolonged periods in the face of adequate fluid and electrolyte supplementation. There is no toxicity associated with oral administration and only negligible amounts of glycerin pass the blood-brain barrier. Nausea and vomiting occur with large undiluted doses.