Drug-Induced Liver Failure Following Topical Minoxidil: A Case Report

January 2025 in “ Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine ”

Katrin Premke, Matthias Kästner, Carlos Fritzsche, Andreas Erbersdobler, Micha Loebermann

minoxidil androgenetic alopecia drug-induced liver failure hepatotoxicity Rogaine

TLDR Topical minoxidil can cause severe liver failure.

This case report presents the first evidence of severe drug-induced liver failure associated with topical minoxidil, a treatment for androgenetic alopecia. A 21-year-old female developed jaundice and elevated liver enzymes three and a half weeks after starting the treatment. A liver biopsy confirmed drug-induced damage. Upon discontinuing minoxidil, her condition improved rapidly, indicating a causal relationship. This case highlights the potential for hepatotoxicity from topical minoxidil, emphasizing the need to consider all substances in cases of unexplained severe liver failure.

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