The Prolonged Use of an Oral Mercurial Diuretic in Ambulatory Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Abstract

Tablets of an oral mercurial diuretic were utilized in the management of patients with severe congestive failure over a prolonged period of time. The need for parenteral mercurial diuretics was eliminated or greatly decreased by this therapy. The individual dosage was established by clinical trial. Minor toxic effects were encountered in several patients but in all instances it was possible to resume the therapy. Severe toxicity was not seen and there were no symptoms of salt depletion. Ease of administration, a more sustained diuresis, and good patient cooperation are advantages of this type of therapy.