chlormerodrin

Chlormerodrin is an organomercury (mercurial) compound that was previously used as a diuretic, particularly for the treatment of heart failure. It acts primarily by inhibiting the reabsorption of water and electrolytes in the renal tubules, likely through direct action on tubular cells. The drug increases passive influx of sodium, chloride, and water into renal tubular cells and may inhibit succinic dehydrogenase, though the clinical significance of this is unclear. Chlormerodrin was also used in radiolabeled forms (notably Hg‑197 and Hg‑203 isotopes) as a diagnostic agent for kidney and brain imaging. Due to its toxic side effects—including mercury toxicity—it has been withdrawn from use and replaced by safer classes of diuretics[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

1-[3-(chloromercuri)-2-methoxypropyl]urea[3-(carbamoylamino)-2-methoxypropyl](chloro)mercurychlormerodrinachlormerodrinechlormerodrinum