10 Side Effects of Diuretics
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
Side Effect #4: Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia describes the elevated levels of serum potassium. Normal levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/l. Hyperkalemia occurs when the serum potassium levels are above 5.5mmol/l.
Symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle pain, palpitations, numbness, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, and death. Common causes of hyperkalemia include kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis. Medications that can cause hyperkalemia are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and, diuretics such as spironolactone which is a potassium-sparing diuretic.
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