Minoxidil and Pericardial Effusion: An Idiosyncratic Reaction

    July 1981 in “ Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics ”
    Michael J. Reichgott
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    TLDR Minoxidil can cause dangerous fluid buildup around the heart.
    Minoxidil, a drug used to treat hypertension and hair loss, has been associated with pericardial effusion, a buildup of fluid around the heart. A study found that 10 out of 37 patients treated with minoxidil developed pericardial disease, with one having transient pericarditis and nine having pericardial effusion. The reaction is idiosyncratic and potentially fatal, and no specific patient characteristics predict the likelihood of effusion. The authors suggest limiting the use of minoxidil due to this risk.
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      community Warning: Minoxidil usage around pets

      in Minoxidil  454 upvotes 9 months ago
      Minoxidil is highly toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs, even in small amounts. Many users have switched to oral minoxidil to prevent accidental exposure to their pets.

      community Being Safe on Oral Minoxidil: tl;dr on the literature.

      in Research/Science  51 upvotes 9 months ago
      Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but can cause cardiovascular side effects, such as pericardial effusion, especially in those with genetic predispositions. Starting with low doses and monitoring cardiovascular health are advised to reduce risks.

      community Oral Min is much better than topical

      in Minoxidil  182 upvotes 7 months ago
      Oral minoxidil is seen as more effective and convenient than topical minoxidil for hair regrowth, but it may cause heart-related risks. Users often combine it with finasteride or dutasteride, though some prefer topical treatments due to safety concerns.

      community Oral Minoxidil- Be Careful!!!!!

      in Minoxidil  417 upvotes 3 months ago
      Oral minoxidil can cause severe side effects, including heart issues, even at low doses. Users suggest starting with a lower dose or using topical treatments to minimize risks.

      community The Fear of Oral Minoxidil is Overblown

      in Research/Science  255 upvotes 4 months ago
      Low-dose oral minoxidil is a safe and effective hair loss treatment with fewer side effects than previously feared. Users often prefer it over topical minoxidil for better results, though some experience side effects like increased body hair and cardiovascular issues.

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