Final answer:
Hypokalemia is a common side effect of long-term thiazide diuretic administration, due to the increased excretion of potassium that occurs when these medications inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidneys.
Step-by-step explanation:
A common side effect of long-term thiazide diuretic administration is hypokalemia, which is a lower-than-normal level of potassium in the blood. Thiazide diuretics, such as hydro-chlorothiazide and chlorthalidone, increase urine production by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. This leads to increased excretion of water, and along with it, increased excretion of potassium can occur, which may cause hypokalemia.
Thiazide diuretics are primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and edema associated with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disease. The prevention of calcium-containing kidney stones is another application for thiazide diuretics because they reduce the amount of calcium excreted in the urine. However, patients should be monitored for the common side effects such as hypokalemia, as well as other electrolyte imbalances and metabolic effects such as hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.