title: Diuretic-induced magnesium losses.
abstract: Long term administration of common loop or distal tubular diuretics may cause somatic magnesium depletion. The resultant deficiency of Mg++ destabilises the myocardium electrically and is a principal cause of cardiac arrhythmias ascribed to diuretics. The adverse effects of diuretics caused by Mg++ depletion can be avoided by selecting diuretics that do not cause magnesium deficiency, minimising the diuretic dose, supplementation of Mg++ intake, or the concomitant use of a K+-retaining, Mg++-sparing diuretic.
mesh_terms: D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007686:Kidney Tubules, Distal / Q000187:drug effects; D008274:Magnesium / Q000652:urine; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004232:Diuretics; D008274:Magnesium