Pericardial Disorders Occurring During Open-Label Study of 1,869 Severely Hypertensive Patients Treated with Minoxidil

This study examined the occurrence of pericardial disorders in severely hypertensive patients treated with minoxidil. Among the 1,869 patients, 91 instances of pericardial disorders were reported, but the data did not implicate minoxidil as a direct cause. The study found that pericardial fluid in minoxidil-treated patients is related to the hemodynamic effects of the drug, particularly salt and water retention. The study concluded that minoxidil-treated patients are not at increased risk of pericardial disorders, but therapists should be aware of the possibility of pericardial fluid accumulation.