Which adverse effect is commonly associated with thiazide diuretics?

Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, are well-known for causing hypokalemia, which is a lower than normal level of potassium in the blood. This occurs because thiazides inhibit the sodium-chloride transporter in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, leading to increased sodium delivery to the collecting duct. In response, the body increases the excretion of potassium in order to maintain electrochemical balance, often leading to lower potassium levels.

The use of thiazide diuretics decreases the overall reabsorption of sodium, which subsequently promotes potassium loss through renal excretion. Hypokalemia can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias, making monitoring of potassium levels important during therapy with thiazides.

While other options such as hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesemia can occur under certain conditions or with specific diuretic agents, they are not commonly associated with thiazides. Hyperkalemia typically arises with potassium-sparing diuretics, while hyponatremia might occur as a result of excessive fluid retention or inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), neither of which are primary concerns with th