Effects of MK-870 in Normal Subjects and Hypertensive Patients

MK-870 (n-amidino-3,5 diamino-6-chloropyrazine carboxamide), is an orally effective agent that has in limited clinical use proved effective as a diuretic.1 Jones, Russo and Zacchei2 reported that this is an active potassium-sparing natriuretic agent in rats and dogs. Baer et al.3 found that small doses enhanced the natriuresis and depressed the kaliuresis produced by thiazide diuretics in dogs. The diuretic properties of the drug in "normal" subjects and its value in the treatment of hypertension alone or in conjunction with other agents has not previously been reported.Diuretic EffectsWe are here concerned with the effects of MK-870 on sodium, potassium, . . .