Transient Vision Loss and Achromatopsia Associated with Use of Minoxidil

    May 2025 in “ BMJ Case Reports
    Anup Kumar Sah, Jitendra Kumar Sahoo, Chitaranjan Mishra, Bijnya Birajita Panda
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    TLDR Minoxidil can cause temporary vision loss and color blindness.
    A man in his early 20s experienced a throbbing headache and blurred vision after using oral and topical minoxidil for alopecia. Examination revealed hyperaemic optic discs and achromatopsia, with the patient unable to read the Ishihara colour vision chart. Suspecting an adverse reaction to minoxidil, the medication was discontinued, leading to an improvement in vision and resolution of achromatopsia without further intervention. This case highlights the potential for minoxidil to cause transient vision loss and achromatopsia, emphasizing the need for caution and monitoring when using this medication.
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