Comparison between different types of diuretics

Type of Diuretic	Mechanism of Action	Uses	Examples	Adverse Drug Reactions
Thiazide Diuretics	Inhibit sodium/chloride cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule.	Hypertension, mild edema.	Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide.	Electrolyte imbalance (low potassium), dehydration, dizziness, increased uric acid levels.
Loop Diuretics	Inhibit sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter in the thick ascending loop of Henle.	Severe edema, heart failure.	Furosemide, Bumetanide.	Electrolyte imbalance (low potassium, magnesium), dehydration, ototoxicity, kidney damage.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics	Block aldosterone receptors or prevent sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule.	Prevent potassium loss, mild hypertension.	Spironolactone, Amiloride.	Hyperkalemia (high potassium), nausea, vomiting, gynecomastia (with spironolactone).
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors	Inhibit carbonic anhydrase enzyme in the proximal tubule.	Glaucoma, altitude sickness.	Acetazolamide.	Metabolic acidosis, fatigue, kidney stones, electrolyte imbalance.
Osmotic Diuretics	Increase osmotic pressure in the nephron, preventing water reabsorption.	Cerebral edema, acute kidney failure.	Mannitol.	Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, pulmonary edema (in some cases).

Electrolyte disturbances and monitoring recommendations:

Diuretic Class	Common Disturbances	Monitoring Recommendations
Loop Diuretics	Hypokalemia, Hyponatremia, Hypomagnesemia, Metabolic Alkalosis	Monitor K+, Na+, Mg²⁺ regularly; assess acid-base status
Thiazide Diuretics	Hypokalemia, Hyponatremia, Hypercalcemia, Metabolic Alkalosis	Monitor K+, Na+, Ca²⁺; check for signs of alkalosis
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics	Hyperkalemia, Hyponatremia, Metabolic Acidosis, Hypomagnesemia	Monitor K+ closely; assess renal function and acid-base status
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors	Metabolic Acidosis, Hypokalemia, Hyponatremia, Hypophosphatemia	Monitor bicarbonate, K+, Na+, phosphate; watch for acidosis