Chromatography studies of the excretion products after meralluride administration in normal subjects and cardiac patients.

Separation of the urinary excretory products of the organomercurial diuretic, meralluride (Mercuhydrin) has been possible using adsorption chromatography. Practically all of the mercury is excreted in a form closely resembling the administered meralluride. Most of the excretion occurs within the first 6 hours in both cardiac patients and normal subjects. The amount of mercury excreted as degradation products is insufficient to produce diuresis. Therefore, it is concluded that the diuretic action of meralluride depends on the specific organic mercurial molecule.