Usefulness of the Vasodilator Minoxidil in Resistant Hypertension

The article discusses the use of the vasodilator minoxidil in treating refractory hypertension in male patients. A case series of 17 male patients who had been referred to a regional center with refractory hypertension were treated with minoxidil. After minoxidil therapy at a median total daily dose of 20 mg, mean blood pressure fell significantly compared to baseline measurements. The article suggests that minoxidil is powerfully effective in refractory hypertension when other approaches have failed, but must always be used in combination with a beta-blocker and diuretic to prevent tachycardia and serious fluid retention.