Electrolyte conservation during the treatment of diabetes insipidus with benzothiadiazines.

Abstract

No reduction in the antidiuretic effect of hydroflumethiazide in a patient with diabetes insipidus followed the administration of sufficient sodium chloride to avoid a sodium deficit. An equally large supplement of potassium chloride prevented any useful antidiuretic response, as did treatment with spironolactone. Fortunately a large potassium intake proved to be unnecessary for electrolyte balance so long as the sodium intake was high. The findings do not support the suggestion that the reduced urinary output in diabetes insipidus following benzothiadiazines is dependent upon sodium depletion.