Clinical trial of mefruside, a new diuretic

A controlled clinical trial of a new diuretic-mefruside-is reported, in which it was compared with frusemide in 15 normal subjects and 15 patients with fluid retention. It was found to be an effective diuretic which, in the patients, produced a significantly greater excretion of water and electrolytes than an equal dose of frusemide. Its smooth prolonged action, maximal in the first 12 hours, made it of particular value for maintenance therapy. In a short-term trial on a further 15 hypertensive patients mefruside was shown to have a useful hypotensive action. The drug was well tolerated with minimal side effects.