Final answer:
Diuretics are the class of drugs typically used to control cerebral edema by increasing urine production to reduce tissue fluid volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug commonly administered to control cerebral edema is a diuretic. Diuretics are medications that increase urine production and decrease water retention in the body, helping to reduce swelling, including that within the brain. Specifically, diuretics like mannitol work on areas such as the loop of Henle in the kidneys, inhibiting the reabsorption of electrolytes like sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-), which in turn diminishes the fluid volume in the tissues, hence mitigating cerebral edema. Mannitol's mechanism of action underscores its effectiveness in reducing intracranial pressure associated with cerebral edema, making it a vital therapeutic component in critical medical scenarios where brain swelling poses a significant threat.