The present invention relates to the diuretic effects of nitrate esters of corticoid compounds. A patient in heart failure may be treated by administering a therapeutically effective dosage of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nitrate ester of corticoid compound as a diuretic having the general formula B-X1-NO2. Also, the kidney function of a patient may be improved by administering a therapeutically effective dosage of a pharmaceutical composition having a nitrate ester of a corticoid compound of the same formula.
