Demeclocycline therapy for resistant oedema in advanced cardiac failure

A patient with long-standing ischaemic heart disease and severe low output congestive cardiac failure received numerous diuretics, which gradually became ineffective. Resistant oedema was treated by adding demeclocycline to the current diuretic regime of frusemide and metolazone. Diuresis resulted, oedema disappeared and body weight fell. This drug combination was continued without complication for a further 6 months until his death.