10 Side Effects of Diuretics
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
Side Effect #5: Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia refers to low sodium levels in the blood or it can be defined as having a sodium concentration of less than 135 mmol/L. Depending on the severity of hyponatremia, symptoms may be absent, mild, or severe. Mild symptoms of hyponatremia include nausea, headaches, decreased ability to think, and poor balance. When severe, symptoms proceed to include seizures, confusion, and coma.
Causes of hyponatremia are classified based on the individual’s body fluid status. Examples include diarrhea, diuretics, sweating, vomiting, hypothyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency. It can also occur as a side effect of diuretics, especially osmotic ones like mannitol and potassium-sparing diuretic like spironolactone.
Advertisement
