Which of the following diuretics is known for causing hypokalemia?

The classification of diuretics is important for understanding their effects on electrolyte balance. Both loop and thiazide diuretics are known to cause hypokalemia, which refers to low levels of potassium in the blood.

Loop diuretics, such as furosemide and bumetanide, act on the loop of Henle in the kidney, promoting the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. This increased excretion can lead to significant potassium loss, as these diuretics increase the flow of urine and reduce the time potassium is reabsorbed.

Thiazide diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide, work on the distal convoluted tubule, inhibiting sodium reabsorption and causing sodium, chloride, and water to be excreted. Similar to loop diuretics, thiazides can also lead to hypokalemia because they increase sodium delivery to the distal tubules, which enhances potassium excretion.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, on the other hand, primarily affect bicarbonate reabsorption and are less likely to cause significant potassium loss, making them unlikely to lead to hypokalemia compared to loop and thiazide diuretics.

Therefore, the recognition that both loop and thiazide