Minoxidil — An Alternative to Nephrectomy for Refractory Hypertension

Eleven patients with malignant or accelerated hypertension refractory to conventional drugs were treated with minoxidil as the primary antihypertensive agent. The blood pressure was reduced to or near normal levels in all patients, with remarkably few side effects. The use of minoxidil in managing hypertensive patients should be carefully weighed against the more heroic alternative nephrectomy and its consequences.