Description: This presentation will review the evidence comparing mannitol and hypertonic saline for the management of elevated intracranial pressure in critically ill patients. It will cover mechanism of action, dosing strategies, onset and duration of effect, and safety considerations, as well as summarize key guideline recommendations and clinical trial data.

Microsoft Teams Webinar link to register for the live session: Register Here

Speaker: Megan Szesnat, PharmD, PGY2 Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Resident - Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center 

Objectives: ​​ 

  1. Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying elevated intracranial pressure (ICP).
  2. Explain the pharmacologic properties and mechanisms of action of the hyperosmolar agents used in ICP management.
  3. Compare available hyperosmolar therapies leveraging current literature and current guideline recommendations.
  4. Identify key monitoring parameters and safety considerations when administering hyperosmolar therapy.

Target Audience:​ Advocate Pharmacists, Physicians, Nurses, and other interested healthcare professionals

Disclosure:​ The planner Jimmy Pruitt was an advisory board member for Glaxo SmithKline.  The relationship ended 10/01/2024.  The other planner(s) and speaker(s) have indicated that there are no relevant financial relationships with any ineligible companies to disclose.  All of the relevant financial relationships listed for Jimmy Pruitt have been mitigated.

Materials:  Szesnat - Live Activity Flyer

Hyperosmolar Therapy - Audience Slides.pdf

Pharmacist UAN: JA0006327-0000-26-001-L01-P

Session date: 
06/17/2026 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm CDT
Location: 
Virtual via Teams Webinar
United States
See map: Google Maps
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  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    Aurora Health Care is accredited by the Wisconsin Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Aurora Health Care designates this activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • 1.00 Attendance
    Attendance Credit
    • 1.00 Approved AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Continuing Nursing Education (CE)
    Aurora Health Care is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Wisconsin Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 1.00 contact hours have been awarded to this activity by the Wisconsin Nursing Association. To receive contact hours, participants must attend the entire activity.
    • 1.00 APRN Pharmacotherapeutic Contact Hours
  • 1.00 Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE)
    Aurora Health Care Department of Pharmacy Services is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
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