Which diuretic is often used to treat hypertension and might cause a loss of potassium?

Hydrochlorothiazide is often used to treat hypertension due to its mechanism of action as a thiazide diuretic. It works primarily by inhibiting the sodium-chloride symporter in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water, which helps lower blood pressure.

One notable side effect of hydrochlorothiazide, and thiazide diuretics in general, is the tendency to cause hypokalemia, or a loss of potassium. This occurs because as sodium is excreted, potassium can also be exchanged and excreted in the renal tubules, resulting in lower potassium levels.

In contrast, other diuretics like bumetanide, spironolactone, and triamterene may have different mechanisms of action and associated side effects. Bumetanide is a loop diuretic that also can cause potassium loss, but it is generally not the first choice for hypertension management. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it actually helps maintain potassium levels while promoting diuresis. Triamterene, like spironolactone, is also potassium-sparing and would not lead to significant loss