Intermittent Nitrate Transdermal Therapy

The document discusses the potential risks associated with the use of minoxidil for hair growth, particularly in individuals predisposed to neoangiogenesis or who are HIV-positive. Two cases are described where patients developed angiogenetic lesions on the scalp after using topical minoxidil: one HIV-positive patient developed Kaposi's sarcoma-like lesions, and another healthy man developed an angioma. The document suggests that minoxidil may induce angiogenesis by interacting with endothelial cells and other cell types. Additionally, the document addresses the issue of intermittent nitrate transdermal therapy for angina patients. It notes that while intermittent removal of nitrate patches can reduce nitrate tolerance, it may also lead to worsening of nocturnal angina and a greater ischemic burden. The document advises caution in the UK when considering intermittent patch removal, as it may not be detailed in the data sheet despite potential benefits. Lastly, the document briefly mentions a study on molecular genotyping to predict debrisoquine hydroxylation phenotype, with results from RFLP analysis and PCR assays indicating allele frequencies in poor and extensive metabolisers.