What is a common adverse effect of furosemide due to its diuretic action?

What is a common adverse effect of furosemide due to its diuretic action?

• A. Electrolyte depletion
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Weight gain
• D. Hyponatremia

Answer: (A)

Loop diuretics like furosemide cause electrolyte depletion because they block the Na-K-2Cl transporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This prevents reabsorption of sodium and chloride and significantly increases their and water’s diuretic excretion. Along with those ions, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are also lost in the urine, leading to an overall electrolyte imbalance. The most common and clinically important effect is this depletion of electrolytes, especially potassium and other ions, which can manifest as cramps, arrhythmias, or other symptoms if not monitored. While hyponatremia can occur as part of this process, the broad and typical adverse effect described by this mechanism is electrolyte depletion. Hyperkalemia would be unlikely with this drug due to increased potassium loss, and weight loss from diuresis is expected rather than weight gain.

Loop diuretics like furosemide cause electrolyte depletion because they block the Na-K-2Cl transporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This prevents reabsorption of sodium and chloride and significantly increases their and water’s diuretic excretion. Along with those ions, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are also lost in the urine, leading to an overall electrolyte imbalance. The most common and clinically important effect is this depletion of electrolytes, especially potassium and other ions, which can manifest as cramps, arrhythmias, or other symptoms if not monitored. While hyponatremia can occur as part of this process, the broad and typical adverse effect described by this mechanism is electrolyte depletion. Hyperkalemia would be unlikely with this drug due to increased potassium loss, and weight loss from diuresis is expected rather than weight gain.