A comparison of combinations of diuretics in nephrotic edema.

The metolazone-furosemide combination of diuretics was compared with the thiazide-furosemide combination in nephrotic patients with edema. Nine patients underwent a crossover, randomized study receiving furosemide (2 mg/kg per dose) and either metolazone (dose varied according to weight) or chlorothiazide (10 mg/kg per dose). An additive natriuretic and diuretic effect was observed after both metolazone and thiazide were combined with furosemide. The use of both types of diuretic combination was associated with marked kaliuresis. These combinations of diuretics seem equally effective in inducing natriuresis and diuresis in edematous nephrotic patients.