Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil and Associated Adverse Events: Analyses of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System With a Focus on Pericardial Effusions

    September 2024 in “ Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ”
    Aditya K. Gupta, Mary A. Bamimore, Husam Abdel‐Qadir, Greg Williams, Antonellá Tosti, Vincent Piguet, Mesbah Talukder
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    TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil can cause serious side effects like heart issues, so use the lowest effective dose.
    This study analyzed the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data from 2016 to 2023 to investigate adverse events (AEs) associated with low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) used for hair loss, with a focus on pericardial effusions. Significant associations were found between LDOM and several AEs, including pericardial effusion, tachycardia, peripheral edema, hypertrichosis, fluid retention, and headache. Notably, pericardial effusion had a high reporting odds ratio (ROR) of 19.570, indicating a significant association, especially in individuals with cardiac impairment. The study suggests using LDOM at the lowest effective dose, ideally not exceeding 5 mg/day, and highlights the importance of cautious interpretation of these signals due to the nature of spontaneously reported data.
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      community Being Safe on Oral Minoxidil: tl;dr on the literature.

      in Research/Science  47 upvotes 1 month ago
      Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but can cause cardiovascular side effects, such as pericardial effusion, especially in those with genetic predispositions. Starting with low doses and monitoring cardiovascular health are advised to reduce risks.

      community Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Does Not Significantly Affect BP

      in Minoxidil  178 upvotes 2 months ago
      Low-dose oral minoxidil is used for hair loss and does not significantly affect blood pressure but may increase heart rate and cause hypotensive symptoms. Some users experience side effects like palpitations and shortness of breath, while others find it effective; topical minoxidil with tretinoin is also considered.
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      community Minoxidil Finasteride heart problems

      in Update  97 upvotes 8 months ago
      A user experienced heart problems after taking 1mg finasteride and 2.5mg oral minoxidil and is considering quitting minoxidil. Others discussed their experiences with heart issues and minoxidil, with some suggesting topical minoxidil as a safer alternative.

      community What's "wrong" with oral minoxidil, exactly?

      in Minoxidil  173 upvotes 3 months ago
      Oral minoxidil can boost hair growth but may cause side effects like heart palpitations and increased body hair. Many prefer topical minoxidil due to fewer side effects.

      community Goodbye y'all, it's been a journey but have accepted where I'm at

      in Update  219 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conclusion of this conversation about hair loss is that the user, y00sh420, tried various treatments including a $700 lllt helmet, topical minoxidil and finasteride, spectraDNC, and micro needling, but did not achieve the desired results. They have decided to stop trying until a cure for male pattern baldness is found. Other users expressed different opinions on hair loss treatments.

      community 5% Minoxidil after 4 months - started with twice a day but went down to once because I kept forgetting in the morning. Really happy with how it is going!

      in Progress Pictures  438 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conclusion of the conversation is that the user started using 5% Minoxidil for hair loss and is happy with the progress. They also mentioned being trans and coming off testosterone, which they believe will help prevent further hair loss. Some users suggested using finasteride as well.

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