Which of the following is a common side effect of loop diuretics?

Loop diuretics, such as furosemide and bumetanide, are known for their potent diuretic effect, which can lead to increased urine production. This medication class primarily works by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle in the kidneys. As a result, the excessive loss of these electrolytes often leads to various forms of electrolyte imbalances.

Commonly observed imbalances with loop diuretics include hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hyponatremia (low sodium levels), and sometimes even hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). These imbalances are significant because they can impact a patient's overall health and can result in symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, and cardiac dysfunction.

In contrast, hypertension is typically a condition that loop diuretics aim to treat rather than cause. While they can initially induce shifts in fluid status that might temporarily affect blood pressure, their therapeutic purpose is to manage high blood pressure. Weight gain is not an expected effect of loop diuretics; rather, they usually lead to weight loss due to increased fluid excretion. Hyperglycemia is more commonly associated with thiazide diuretics and certain other medications rather than with loop diuretics.

Thus