[Finding the effective dose of diuretics in man (author's transl)]

After a short survey of the classes of diuretics the procedures are described which are available to find effective doses of newly synthetized compounds in animal experiments. The method of Lipschitz and its modifications used for screening in rats are discussed in more detail. From the practical view of the clinical pharmacologist an explanation is given of the problems encountered in planning a study, balancing fluid- and electrolyte intake and in the suggestions for dose extrapolations to man. The experimental development in animals and healthy humans is demonstrated by means of the new diuretic compound Hoe 747. A synoptic graph showing the estimated dose-response curves emphazises the fact that it is possible to extrapolate the first dose in man from animal data with sufficient precision.