Xipamide is a diuretic derived from salicylic acid and has a structural resemblance to chlorthalidone. Its pharmacodynamic profile shows a diuretic efficacy is similar to that of frusemide (furosemide) at doses up to 40 mg, but the onset and duration of action are comparable to those of hydrochlorothiazide. Xipamide has been studied mostly in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension, with few controlled studies of its use in oedematous states. The efficacy of xipamide 20 to 40 mg once daily in patients with mild to moderate hypertension is comparable to that of bendrofluazide 5 mg, bumetanide 1 mg or hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg when used alone in newly treated or previously treated patients. The addition of xipamide 20 to 40 mg daily to regimens containing beta-blockers, adrenergic neuron-blocking drugs and/or methyldopa has resulted in a further reduction in blood pressure. A few studies in oedematous states suggest that xipamide 40 to 80 mg is comparable in efficacy to equal doses of frusemide, and that the side effects of hypokalaemia, hyperuricaemia and increased blood glucose in diabetics or latent diabetics are similar to those of other diuretics. Thus, xipamide is a suitable alternative to other diuretics in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension and combines the efficacy of frusemide with a less abrupt action in the treatment of oedema.