How do loop or thiazide diuretics cause kidney potassium loss?
Diuretics increase distal delivery of sodium and water:
- • Loop diuretics inhibit Na + -K + -2Cl − cotransporters in the thick ascending limb of loop of Henle
- • Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics inhibit Na + -Cl − cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule
This leads to increased potassium secretion in the principal cells of the distal nephron. In addition, the volume depletion caused by diuretics stimulates increased aldosterone production resulting in increased potassium secretion.
