The diuretic effect of muzolimine (Bay g 2821) on hepatogenic ascites

A double-blind study was carried out in 22 patients with hepatogenic ascites to examine the effectiveness of the combination of muzolimine and spironolactone in comparison with combinations of furosemide and spironolactone and placebo and spironolactone. Despite the heterogeneous and variable case material, there was no significant difference between the 3 patient groups prior to treatment. After a diuretic-free preliminary period, all patients received 300 mg spironolactone daily plus 80 mg muzolimine, 80 mg furosemide or placebo for 7 days. Before the start of treatment and at daily intervals, measurements were made of waist size, body weight, and urinary and electrolyte elimination. Blood chemistry was investigated before treatment and on Days 4 and 7. Analysis of the results showed that the combination of muzolimine and spironolactone produced a statistiscally significant stronger saluretic effects than the other two combinations. This can be explained by the different sites of action of muzolimine and spironolactone, resulting in an additive effect. Neither subjective nor objective side-effects were observed during the 7-day treatment period.