10 Side Effects of Diuretics
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
Side Effect #3: Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia occurs when the serum potassium levels are low. Mild cases do not generally cause symptoms. More serious cases will lead to leg cramps, tiredness, constipation, and weakness. It can also cause an abnormal heart rhythm, which can lead to cardiac arrest.
Causes include dialysis, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperaldosteronism, hypomagnesemia, steroids, and diuretics (furosemide). Hypokalemia occurs when the serum potassium levels are less than 3.5 mmol/l.
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