Thiazides and the risk of hypokalemia in the general population
Rodenburg EM, Visser LE, Hoorn EJ, Ruiter R, Lous JJ, Hofman A, et al.
Published in J Hypertens, Vol. 32 (10), pp. 2092-7; discussion 2097
Methodology
Population-based Rotterdam Study cohort: 13,328 patients followed for 10 years, with thiazide use as a time-varying exposure and hypokalemia (below 3.5 mmol/L) as the outcome.
Key Findings
507 cases of hypokalemia occurred. Thiazide use carried a relative risk of 11.18 (95% CI 8.95-13.96); with triamterene the risk was 5.93. Risk was more than twice as high in men as in women and rose with dose and age.
Conclusions
Thiazide-induced hypokalemia is common, and the risk depends on sex, age and dose.
Limitations
Observational; potassium measured at routine visits, so milder or brief episodes may be missed.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.