Question: how does carbonic anhydrase inhibitors cause hypokalemia?
Answer: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, such as acetazolamide, decrease proximal tubular reabsorption of HCO3− in the kidneys by noncompetitive inhibition of luminal and cellular carbonic anhydrase. Hypokalemia is caused by increased sodium delivery to the distal nephron and its reabsorption there in exchange for potassium.