A 50-year-old man with a history of hypertension and heart failure is prescribed spironolactone. Which of the following side effects is most commonly associated with this drug? A) Hypokalemia B) Hyperkalemia C) Hypocalcemia D) Hypercalcemia E) Hyperglycemia Correct Answer: B) Hyperkalemia Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that inhibits aldosterone, leading to potassium retention. This is why hyperkalemia is a common side effect. Hypokalemia (A) is not typically associated with spironolactone; it is more common with loop diuretics or thiazides. Hypocalcemia (C) and hypercalcemia (D) are not directly related to spironolactone use. Hyperglycemia (E) is a side effect of thiazide diuretics but not spironolactone. Key Tips for PLAB 1: ✅ Spironolactone = Potassium-sparing diuretic, causes hyperkalemia ✅ Monitoring = Regular serum potassium levels ✅ Indications = Heart failure, hypertension, ascites in liver disease
