10 Side Effects of Diuretics
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
Side Effect #8: Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia occurs when the serum calcium levels are high. It can be defined as having serum calcium levels that are greater than 2.6 mmol/l. Mild hypercalcemia does not usually produce symptoms. Those with symptoms may experience confusion, abdominal pain, depression, bone pain, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, kidney stones, or cardiac arrest.
Most cases of hypercalcemia are due to primary hyperthyroidism or cancer. Other possible causes include tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, multiple endocrine neoplasia, Paget’s disease, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, and medications such as lithium and diuretics. The diuretic implicated in this case would be hydrochlorothiazide.
Advertisement
