What adverse effect is commonly associated with thiazide diuretics?

Thiazide diuretics are commonly associated with hypercalcemia due to their effect on renal handling of calcium. Unlike other diuretics, thiazides promote calcium reabsorption in the renal tubules, leading to an increase in serum calcium levels. This mechanism is particularly important as thiazide diuretics are often used in the management of conditions such as hypertension and edema, and they can also be helpful in patients with osteoporosis due to their calciotropic effects.

While other diuretics might lead to electrolyte imbalances such as hypomagnesemia or metabolic acidosis, thiazides are unique in their tendency to increase calcium levels rather than deplete them. Severe dehydration, although a potential risk with any diuretic use, is not specific to thiazides and can occur with excessive use of any diuretic class. Therefore, the risk of hypercalcemia stands out as a prominent adverse effect linked specifically to thiazide diuretics.