Hypertrichosis Due to Minoxidil

November 1979 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Joseph W. Burton, Athole H. Marshall

hypertrichosis minoxidil cutaneous blood flow cardiotoxicity fluid retention tachycardia nausea fatigue dyspnea pigmentation coarsening of facial features gynecomastia Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil causes excessive hair growth in almost all patients.

This article describes a case of hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) in a patient taking the hypotensive drug minoxidil. The article reviews the literature and suggests that hypertrichosis is a common side effect of minoxidil, occurring in nearly all patients treated with the drug. The mechanism behind this side effect is unknown, but it is thought to be related to increased cutaneous blood flow. The article also notes other side effects of minoxidil, including cardiotoxicity, fluid retention, tachycardia, nausea, fatigue, dyspnea, pigmentation, coarsening of facial features, and gynecomastia.