Xipamide in the management of renal, hepatic and cardiac oedema.

Xipamide (4-chloro-5-sulphamyl-salicylic acid 2', 6'-dimethylanilide) is a diuretic and antihypertensive agent. A clinical trial of the drug was performed in 11 patients, 8 with nephrotic syndrome, 1 with oedema and ascites due to hepatic cirrhosis, and 2 with congestive cardiac failure due to idiopathic cardiomyopathy. The drug proved to be potent, safe and efficacious. Side-effects were similar to those encountered with other thiazide-derived diuretics, but were not of a severe nature. Wider clinical usage of xipamide would appear to be warranted.