Interest in new diuretics with less side effects has led to the synthesis of ticrynafen, an uricosuric diuretic. This agent was compared with hydrochlorothiazide in a crossover design study involving 12 hypertensive men. Both agents significantly decreased mean arterial pressure from 8% to 18% in eight of the 12 patients. In addition to reducing body weight, these diuretics induced reversible changes in BUN and carbon dioxide content (increased) and plasma concentration of potassium and chloride ions (decreased). The most important change in renal function was a 2.5-fold increase in fractional urate clearance by ticrynafen associated with reduction of serum uric acid by 62%. Thus, ticrynafen is a promising therapeutic agent in hypertension, adding a unique uricosuric effect that should improve patient compliance.