Loop diuretics like Furosemide can cause what?

Loop diuretics like Furosemide can cause what?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Answer: (B)

Loop diuretics block the Na-K-2Cl transporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, so more sodium, chloride, and potassium are lost in the urine. The increased delivery of sodium to the distal tubule promotes potassium secretion, leading to potassium wasting. That makes hypokalemia the expected effect. Hyperkalemia would not be expected with loop diuretics, since they promote potassium loss rather than retention. Hyponatremia isn’t the hallmark effect, though diuretic use can disturb electrolytes in various ways; the classic teaching point here is potassium loss.

Loop diuretics block the Na-K-2Cl transporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, so more sodium, chloride, and potassium are lost in the urine. The increased delivery of sodium to the distal tubule promotes potassium secretion, leading to potassium wasting. That makes hypokalemia the expected effect. Hyperkalemia would not be expected with loop diuretics, since they promote potassium loss rather than retention. Hyponatremia isn’t the hallmark effect, though diuretic use can disturb electrolytes in various ways; the classic teaching point here is potassium loss.