Chlorpromazine and frusemide in treatment of acute left-ventricular failure.

Chlorpromazine, a phenothiazine derivative with central and peripheral vasodilating effect, was given intravenously, with frusemide, to five patients with acute pulmonary oedema who did not respond to conventional treatment. Four of the five recovered fully. Chlopromazine seems to be a suitable vasodilator for use in treating acute pulmonary oedema outside intensive-care units, since its use does not require monitoring by invasive techniques.