Minoxidil and Pericardial Effusion: An Idiosyncratic Reaction

July 1981 in “ Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics ”

Michael J. Reichgott

minoxidil pericardial effusion pericarditis Rogaine

Studysummary Minoxidil can cause dangerous fluid buildup around the heart.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

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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Research cited in this study

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research Pericardial Disorders During Open-Label Study of 1,869 Severely Hypertensive Patients Treated with Minoxidil

49 citations , January 1980 in “Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology”

Minoxidil doesn't increase pericardial disorder risk, but may cause fluid accumulation.

$Long-Term Treatment of Refractory Hypertensive Patients With Minoxidil$

research Long-Term Treatment of Refractory Hypertensive Patients With Minoxidil

43 citations , May 1978 in “JAMA”

Minoxidil controls blood pressure but may cause kidney damage and needs diuretics to prevent swelling.

research Minoxidil-Induced Hypertrichosis: Treatment with Calcium Thioglycolate Depilatory

26 citations , April 1977 in “PubMed”

This report notes that five women experiencing hypertrichosis as a side effect of minoxidil had successful hair removal using a calcium thioglycolate depilatory agent.

research Toxicological Studies with the Hypotensive Agent Minoxidil

43 citations , January 1977 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology”

In this study, minoxidil was found to have low toxicity in various animals, with specific heart lesions observed only in dogs at certain doses.

research Long-Term Treatment of Severe Hypertension with Minoxidil, Propranolol, and Furosemide

55 citations , October 1975 in “Circulation”

Minoxidil, propranolol, and furosemide effectively control severe hypertension, but may cause sodium retention.

research Minoxidil in Severe Hypertension: Value When Conventional Drugs Have Failed

50 citations , September 1975 in “American Heart Journal”

Minoxidil effectively controls blood pressure in severe cases, but may cause fluid retention and edema.

$Minoxidil: An Alternative to Nephrectomy for Refractory Hypertension$