Which of the following is NOT typically a side effect of diuretics?

Diuretics are medications commonly used to help the body eliminate excess fluid, primarily through increased urination. Given their mechanism of action, the side effects such as increased urination, dehydration, and excessive potassium loss are well-documented and commonly experienced by patients taking these medications.

Increased urination is a direct result of the way diuretics function. By promoting the excretion of water and electrolytes, patients may find that they need to urinate more frequently.

Dehydration can occur due to the loss of excess fluid. If a patient does not adequately replenish their fluid intake while on diuretics, they may become dehydrated, which can lead to various health issues.

Excessive potassium loss is particularly associated with certain types of diuretics, like loop diuretics or thiazides, which can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, leading to hypokalemia (low potassium levels).

In contrast, increased appetite is not a recognized side effect of diuretics. In fact, some patients may experience the opposite due to electrolyte imbalances or a feeling of reduced energy when dehydrated. This makes it clear why increased appetite is not a typical side effect related to the use of diuretics.