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. A method of improving kidney function by administering a therapeutically effective dosage of a pharmaceutical composition having a nitrate ester of corticoid compound of the same formula is also described.
