What is a common side effect of diuretics?

Diuretics are medications commonly used to promote the excretion of water and electrolytes through urine, primarily to manage conditions such as hypertension and heart failure. A significant side effect of diuretics is electrolyte imbalance, particularly low potassium levels, known as hypokalemia. This occurs because certain diuretics, especially loop and thiazide diuretics, can cause increased urination, leading to the loss not only of water but also of essential electrolytes like potassium. Maintaining potassium levels is critical for various bodily functions, including muscle contraction and maintaining a steady heartbeat. Health care providers often monitor potassium levels in patients on diuretics closely and may recommend potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics for those at risk of hypokalemia.

Other options, such as weight gain and increased appetite, are not typical side effects of diuretics; rather, these medications are often associated with weight loss due to fluid loss. Excess sleepiness is not commonly linked to diuretics either. Therefore, the feature of causing low potassium levels distinctly characterizes the side effect profile of diuretics.