On the clinical evaluation of diuretics with particular reference to a new phthalimidine diuretic, clorexolone

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Abstract
A standardized technique suitable for clinical evaluation of diuretic drugs in hospitalized patients with fiuid retention is described. The sensitivity and reliability of the method have been explored. Urinary excretion of sodium, potassum, and fiuid, as well as acute weight loss have been employed as response parameters. The assay has been applied to yield data on the absolute and comparative efficacies of a newly introduced phthalimidine diuretic, clorexolone, in a group of fifty patients. Clorexolone was found to be a potent diuretic producing a pattern of water and electrolyte excretion similar to that caused by the benzothiadiazine group of diuretics. Its natriuretic action persisted for at least 48 hours after oral administration. A comparison of maximally effective doses of clorexolone and a standard benzothiadiazine derivative, hydrofiumethiazide, showed the two drugs to be essentially eqUipotent. Except for a rise in serum uric acid levels, no potentially adverse effects were observed during prolonged therapy with clorexolone and potassium supplements.