Mercurial diuretic
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2007-07-23T13:10:31Z
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'''Mercurial diuretics''', although previously widely used, have largely been superseded by safer [[diuretics]] such as [[thiazide]]s, and are hardly used anymore.
Inorganic [[Mercury (element)|mercury]] compounds, such as mercury(I)chloride ([[calomel]]), were found to have diuretic properties several centuries ago, when they were used to treat [[syphilis]]. However, inorganic mercury compounds are very toxic and also have a strong [[laxative]] effect. Organic mercurials were found later, which were much more potent as diuretics and safer to use than inorganic ones.
Mercurial diuretics cause diuresis by reducing the reabsorption [[sodium]] in the ascending [[loop of Henle]], thus causing more water being delivered to the [[distal convoluted tubule]]. In the long run, mercurial diuretics tend to accumulate in the [[liver]] and the [[kidney]]s, causing damage.
[[Image:Mersal.png|thumb|The structure of mersalyl acid]]
Some common organic mercurials:
*[[Mersalyl acid]] (Mersal)
*[[Meralluride]]
*[[Mercaptomerin]]
*[[Mercurophylline]]
*[[Merethoxylline procaine]]
[[Category:Diuretics]]
==See also==
* [[Mercury poisoning]]