Minoxidil and Pericardial Effusion: An Idiosyncratic Reaction

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.