Which of the following is a common side effect of furosemide?

Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly used to treat conditions such as heart failure and edema by promoting urine output. One of the key side effects associated with furosemide is hypokalemia, which refers to a lower-than-normal level of potassium in the blood. This occurs because furosemide increases the excretion of potassium through the urine, leading to reduced serum potassium levels.

Monitoring potassium levels is essential when patients are on furosemide, as hypokalemia can cause significant health issues, including muscle weakness, cramping, and potentially serious cardiac arrhythmias. It’s crucial for healthcare providers to assess electrolyte levels regularly and consider potassium supplementation or dietary modifications to mitigate this side effect when administering furosemide.