Glycerol: A Review of Its Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Adverse Reactions, and Clinical Use

Glycerol is a potent osmotic dehydrating agent with additional effects on brain metabolism. In doses of 0.25‐2.0 g/kg glycerol decreases intracranial pressure in numerous disease states, including Reye's syndrome, stroke, encephalitis, meningitis, pseudotumor cerebri, central nervous system tumor, and space occupying lesions. It is also effective in lowering intraocular pressure in glaucoma and shrinking the brain during neurosurgical procedures.

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