Benzodiazepine derivatives

This invention provides benzodiazepine derivatives of the general formula wherein R1 represents a lower alkyl group, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, R3 represents a halogen atom and R4 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom and either R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group and R6 represents a lower alkyl, lower hydroxyalkyl or lower acyloxyalkyl group or R5 represents a hydrogen atom and R6 represents an aryl or lower aralkyl group or R5 and R6 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represent a 3-membered to 7-membered heterocycle which, when it is at least 5-membered, can contain as a ring member an oxygen or sulphur atom or a group of the formula in which R7 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, which possess aldosterone-antagonistic properties and are accordingly suitable for the control or prevention of heart failure, of hepatic ascites, of primary aldosteronism and of idiopathic hypertension. Some of these compounds and salts also inhibit the intestinal resorption of cholesterol and are according suitable for the prevention or control of atherosclerosis. Also provided are a process for the manufacture of the above end products and novel intermediates therefor.