Which drug is commonly used to reduce increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Mannitol is commonly used to reduce increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to its unique properties as an osmotic diuretic. When introduced into the bloodstream, mannitol increases the osmolality of blood, which effectively draws water out of the brain tissue and into the vascular space. This process reduces the volume of the brain and consequently decreases intracranial pressure.

Mannitol's rapid action is particularly critical in acute situations where ICP needs to be managed swiftly to prevent brain damage or complications. It is often used in conditions like traumatic brain injury, hydrocephalus, or cerebral edema.

The other options do not work as effectively for this specific purpose. While furosemide is also a diuretic, it does not have the same osmotically active properties as mannitol in this context. Hydrochlorothiazide is primarily used for hypertension and does not significantly affect ICP. Corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and might have some impact on swelling, but they do not directly reduce ICP as mannitol does.