TLDR Minoxidil controls blood pressure but may cause kidney damage and needs diuretics to prevent swelling.
This 45-year-old study reports on the use of minoxidil to treat refractory hypertension in patients who have not responded to other treatments. The study found that minoxidil was effective in controlling blood pressure, but some patients experienced progression of end-organ damage, particularly renal failure. The study also suggests that minoxidil may have vasodilatory activity in pulmonary arteries and does not cause pulmonary hypertension. Large doses of diuretic agents were required to prevent edema, and some patients eventually required hemodialysis.
20 citations,
February 1977 in “Circulation” Minoxidil lowers blood pressure and increases heart efficiency, but may raise lung artery pressure in some people.
55 citations,
October 1975 in “Circulation” Minoxidil, propranolol, and furosemide effectively control severe hypertension, but may cause sodium retention.
50 citations,
September 1975 in “American Heart Journal” Minoxidil effectively controls blood pressure in severe cases, but may cause fluid retention and edema.
180 citations,
July 1973 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Minoxidil effectively lowers blood pressure with few side effects.
100 citations,
March 1973 in “American Journal of Cardiology” Minoxidil effectively lowers blood pressure without major side effects.
55 citations,
March 1973 in “PubMed” Minoxidil is a new drug that lowers blood pressure.
43 citations,
May 1978 in “JAMA” Minoxidil controls blood pressure but may cause kidney damage and needs diuretics to prevent swelling.
