Which adverse effects may a patient experience while taking hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)? (Select all that apply.)

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that is commonly used to treat hypertension and edema. One of the primary mechanisms of action of this medication is to increase urine output by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys. As a result, it can lead to certain side effects.

Nocturia, which is the need to wake at night to urinate, is a common adverse effect associated with diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide. Because the drug promotes increased urine production, patients may find themselves more frequently needing to urinate at night. This can disrupt sleep and overall quality of life.

Other potential adverse effects of hydrochlorothiazide include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, central nervous system effects like dizziness, and electrolyte imbalances that can manifest as muscle cramps due to the loss of potassium and magnesium. However, in the context of the provided question, nocturia is specifically highlighted as a notable effect of this agent, emphasizing its relation to the drug's mechanism of action.