text: how can loop diuretics cause metabolic alkalosis?   the process is a bit complex, but i'll walk you through it step-by-step.  loop diuretics block the na/k/cl co-transporters in the distal nephron. this causes a decrease in the reabsorption of chloride ions and therefore, increases the luminal electronegativity of the distal nephron.  the increase in luminal electronegativity allows excessive 'wasting' of both hydrogen and potassium ions, as these cations will be attracted to the relatively negative charge in the lumen.  over time, the depletion of cations (particularly hydrogen ions) causes the plasma ph to increase (i.e. alkalosis).    because both potassium and hydrogen ions are lost in this process, the phenomenon is generally refer ed to as 'hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis'.