Mercurial diuretic 764719 146523202 2007-07-23T13:10:31Z Neparis 3900705 cite the main related article '''Mercurial diuretics''', although previously widely used, have largely been superseded by safer [[diuretics]] such as [[thiazide]]s, and are hardly used anymore.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]]