The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the combination of furosemide retard (30 mg)/triamterene (50 mg) were compared with furosemide (30 mg) in 18 healthy male volunteers aged 39.3 +/- 6.3 years. After the administration of furosemide the onset of its effect was very rapid, reaching a maximum between 1.5 to 3 h, and followed by rebound after 9 to 10.5 h. In contrast the combination furosemide retard/triamterene showed a protracted course with a duration of effect up to 12 h. The general effect over 12h of the two preparations was equivalent with respect to the excretion of urine, sodium, chloride and calcium, but the combination caused significantly less excretion of potassium (p less than or equal to 0.05) than furosemide. After a lag-phase of 33.9 +/- 5.4 min the maximum plasma concentration of furosemide was reached after 3.47 +/- 0.66 h, and the elimination half-life was approximately 2 h. After a lag-phase of 33.0 +/- 17.8 min the maximum plasma concentration of the main metabolite of triamterene, the OH-TA sulphuric acid ester, was reached after 1.7 +/- 0.59 h, and its elimination half-life amounted to 1.25 +/- 0.37 h. Because of the sustained release of furosemide from the retard-formulation, its principal pharmacokinetic parameters were better adapted to those of triamterene. The consequences were not only a protracted effect but also an improved electrolyte profile, especially with regard to reduced loss of potassium. In the case of renal insufficiency, however, the potassium level in serum might be increased to an undesirable extent.