Abuse of laxatives may lead to which of the following?

The abuse of laxatives is commonly associated with hypokalaemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. Laxatives, particularly stimulant laxatives, can cause the body to expel water and electrolytes, including potassium, more rapidly. When laxatives are overused, this can lead to an imbalance, resulting in significant potassium loss.

Potassium is essential for normal cellular function, particularly in muscle and nerve cells, and its deficiency can have serious health implications, including muscle weakness and arrhythmias. Hence, hypokalaemia is a well-recognized complication of laxative abuse.

It's important to note that while laxative abuse may also lead to diarrhea and potentially complicate constipation (especially if they cause a rebound effect), the direct link between laxative use and hypokalaemia due to electrolyte loss makes hypokalaemia the primary concern in this context.