Which of the following electrolyte disturbances are caused by thiazides?

Which of the following electrolyte disturbances are caused by thiazides?

• A. Hypocalcemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Answer: (B)

Thiazide diuretics are known primarily for causing hypokalemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. These medications work by inhibiting the sodium-chloride symporter in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water. This diuretic action can inadvertently cause potassium to be excreted as well, resulting in lower potassium levels, or hypokalemia. The mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics explains why they lead to this specific electrolyte disturbance. In addition to regulating sodium and chloride, thiazides can alter the balance of potassium by promoting its urinary loss. Other electrolyte disturbances associated with thiazide use can sometimes occur, but they are less characteristic. For example, while thiazides can lead to a decrease in calcium excretion (potentially causing hypercalcemia), they do not typically cause hypocalcemia or hypernatremia because they do not significantly affect sodium reabsorption in such a way that it causes elevated sodium levels. Hyperkalemia, the elevation of potassium levels, is not commonly associated with thiazides, as they primarily lead to potassium loss. Thus, hypokalemia is the

Thiazide diuretics are known primarily for causing hypokalemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. These medications work by inhibiting the sodium-chloride symporter in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water. This diuretic action can inadvertently cause potassium to be excreted as well, resulting in lower potassium levels, or hypokalemia.

The mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics explains why they lead to this specific electrolyte disturbance. In addition to regulating sodium and chloride, thiazides can alter the balance of potassium by promoting its urinary loss.

Other electrolyte disturbances associated with thiazide use can sometimes occur, but they are less characteristic. For example, while thiazides can lead to a decrease in calcium excretion (potentially causing hypercalcemia), they do not typically cause hypocalcemia or hypernatremia because they do not significantly affect sodium reabsorption in such a way that it causes elevated sodium levels. Hyperkalemia, the elevation of potassium levels, is not commonly associated with thiazides, as they primarily lead to potassium loss.

Thus, hypokalemia is the