The Role of Patient and Drug-Related Factors in Oral Minoxidil and Pericardial Effusion: Analyses of Data From the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System

The study analyzed 2,747 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System over 18.5 years to examine the link between oral minoxidil and pericardial effusion. It found no significant correlation between the dose of oral minoxidil and the occurrence of pericardial effusion, with the condition not occurring at doses below 2.5 mg/day. Hypertension was the most common reason for minoxidil use, while hair loss-related conditions accounted for 6.7% of pericardial effusion reports. The study concluded that pericardial effusion is a rare side effect and emphasized the need for thorough medical evaluations and regular follow-ups for patients, particularly those with a cardiovascular history. Further research is recommended to confirm these findings.