Abstract: A new modification of torasemide, named modification III, has been discovered. Modification III is storage stable and achieves high levels in serum shortly after oral administration. Torasemide of modification III can be used to produce a diuretic effect. A method of making torasemide of modification III is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling the serum solubility of orally administered torasemide is disclosed. A new crystallin modification of torasemide, called modification III which has significantly higher rates of solubilization than the known crystallin form of torasemide, modification I, is blended with amounts of modification I to produce a preselected level of torasemide in serum at a given time following administration. Compositions containing amounts of modification I and modification III, sufficient to achieve the desired serum levels of torasemide, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein E is an alkylene or alkenylene radical containing 2 carbon atoms, R.sup.1 is a cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical containing 5 to 12 carbon atoms, which is optionally substituted by up to 4 lower alkyl radicals, as well as halogen atoms, and can optionally be mono- or polyunsaturated, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, which can be the same or different, are further cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radicals containing 3 to 7 carbon atoms, hydrogen or halogen atoms, trifluoromethyl radicals or alkyl or alkoxy radicals containing up to 7 carbon atoms which can optionally also be substituted with methyl radicals, X is hydroxyl, Y is a residue of an alcohol or a residue of an amine or the group OZ, Z is hydrogen, an alkali metal or ammonium ion or X and Y taken together are --O--. Thus, these compounds are lactones or hydroxy acids of the formulae: ##STR2## wherein E, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one .alpha.-halogenated dicarboxylic acid of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Hal is a chlorine, bromine or fluorine atom, R is a hydrogen atom or Hal and m is a number of from 4 to 16, and/or at least one pharmacologically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof.The present invention also provides new compounds of general formula (I) but in which m is a number of from 8 to 16 and processes for the preparation thereof.