TLDR A man who drank too much hair growth medication got very sick but got better after hospital treatment.
In 2016, a 64-year-old man consumed 60 ml of 2% topical minoxidil, which is significantly higher than the recommended dose for treating hypertension, in an attempt to enhance hair growth. He arrived at the hospital with severe hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain, and signs of subendocardial ischemia 12 hours post-ingestion. Despite receiving intensive care, including hydration and dopamine, he developed acute kidney failure and required hemodialysis. His condition improved after two sessions of hemodialysis, and he experienced rebound hypertension after his renal function returned to normal. He was discharged in stable condition after 12 days. This case underscores the potential for serious systemic effects from oral minoxidil ingestion and the necessity for immediate and effective treatment.
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.
13 citations,
November 2014 in “Pediatric emergency care” Ingesting minoxidil can cause serious heart issues; keep away from children and improve packaging.
18 citations,
January 1992 in “The Journal of emergency medicine” Minoxidil overdose caused heart changes, treated with stomach wash, charcoal, and IV fluids.
95 citations,
December 1980 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Minoxidil helped bald patient regrow hair.
29 citations,
October 1996 in “Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology” Higher minoxidil doses in dogs cause faster heart rate, lower blood pressure, and heart issues.
5 citations,
January 2018 in “Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association” A dog fully recovered from minoxidil poisoning after receiving treatment.
Ingesting minoxidil can cause serious heart problems and requires urgent medical treatment.
40 citations,
July 1995 in “Toxicologic Pathology” Minoxidil can harm dog's heart.
28 citations,
January 1989 in “Toxicologic Pathology” Minoxidil may cause heart changes; use caution and monitor patients with heart conditions.