Halofenate versus clofibrate in the management of true diabetes insipidus.

The antidiuretic effect of two chemically related drugs, clofibrate and halofenate, was tested in a patient with pitressin-sensitive diabetes insipidus. The conventional daily dosage of 2 g clofibrate failed to control the symptoms of this patient; in order to obtain an adequate response the dosage had to be increased to 4 g daily.Halofenate at a dosage of 2 g daily, an amount equivalent in hypolipidemic activity to 4 g per day of clofibrate, significantly reduced water intake and output, while urinary osmolarity was markedly increased.It is concluded that (1) the antidiuretic effect of clofibrate may be dose-related, and that (2) halofenate also possesses some antidiuretic activity.