Mefruside: A Preliminary Report of its Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Efficacy in Oedema and Hypertension

Summary

Mefruside is a new oral sulphonamide diuretic with some structural resemblance to frusemide. Its onset and duration of action and pattern of electrolyte excretion is similar to that of the medium-acting thiazides such as hydrochlorothiazide. Therapeutic trials have shown mefruside to be an effective diuretic in oedematous patients and to possess a mild hypotensive action. Because of its slow onset of action it is unsuitable in acute oedematous conditions such as cerebral or pulmonary oedema. It is well tolerated, but like other natriuretic agents causes hyperuricaemia and may cause hypokalaemia during long-term administration.