Potassium loss with thiazide therapy

Nonedematous patients with essential hypertension were studied by metabolic techniques while hospitalized. Hydrochlorothiazide therapy resulted in a transient natriuresis which subsequently was partially compensated for by renal sodium retention. Urinary potassium loss accompanied the natriuresis and continued during the period of the compensatory renal retention. Evidence was presented that indicate a slight but statistically significant increase in aldosterone excretion during the period of hydrochlorothiazide therapy.