A Very Bad Hair Day: Minoxidil Ingestion Causing Shock and Heart Failure

August 2024 in “ Cureus ”

Sabin Tripathee, Alexander Benyovszky, Ruchi Devbhandari, Katherine Quiza, James Boris

minoxidil alopecia circulatory shock pulmonary edema hydration vasopressors midodrine Rogaine

TLDR Ingesting minoxidil can cause serious heart problems and requires urgent medical treatment.

Minoxidil, a topical treatment for alopecia, can cause severe health issues if ingested, including refractory circulatory shock and acute pulmonary edema. A case study of a young female who unintentionally ingested minoxidil highlights the need for immediate treatment with aggressive hydration and vasopressors. Midodrine may help reduce ICU stay by decreasing the duration of IV vasopressor use.

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Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

$Refractory Shock Following Ingestion of Topical Minoxidil Solution$

research Refractory Shock Following Ingestion of Topical Minoxidil Solution

5 citations, March 2016 in “Medical journal, Armed Forces India”

A man experienced life-threatening shock after swallowing hair growth solution.

research Prolonged Hypotension Induced by Ingesting a Topical Minoxidil Solution: Analysis of Minoxidil and Its Metabolites

5 citations, March 2016 in “Acute medicine & surgery”

Swallowing a lot of minoxidil, a hair growth liquid, can cause severe and long-lasting low blood pressure.

research Minoxidil: An Underused Vasodilator for Resistant or Severe Hypertension

74 citations, May 2004 in “Journal of Clinical Hypertension”

Minoxidil effectively treats severe hypertension, but watch for side effects.

research Minoxidil Overdose: Severe Hypotension and Tachycardia After Ingestion

11 citations, April 1993 in “Chest”

Man drank minoxidil, caused low blood pressure and fast heartbeat, treatment helped but led to heart damage.

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A Very Bad Hair Day: Minoxidil Ingestion Causing Shock and Heart Failure

Research cited in this study

research Refractory Shock Following Ingestion of Topical Minoxidil Solution

research Prolonged Hypotension Induced by Ingesting a Topical Minoxidil Solution: Analysis of Minoxidil and Its Metabolites

research Minoxidil: An Underused Vasodilator for Resistant or Severe Hypertension

research Minoxidil Overdose: Severe Hypotension and Tachycardia After Ingestion

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