Pericarditis and Peripheral Edema in a Healthy Man on Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Therapy
September 2022
in “
JAAD Case Reports
”
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Studysummary This case report discusses rare but serious cardiac complications, including pericarditis and edema, observed with low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing, especially in high-risk patients.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document discusses a case of a 52-year-old man who developed pericarditis and peripheral edema after two weeks of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) therapy for androgenic alopecia. The man had a history of idiopathic pericarditis complicated by pericardial effusion five years prior but was otherwise healthy. His symptoms resolved within a week after discontinuing oral minoxidil and starting ibuprofen and colchicine. The authors note that minoxidil, an antihypertensive medication, can cause serious adverse effects in patients with preexisting fluid balance disorders. They emphasize the need for caution when prescribing LDOM, especially for patients with high-risk medical histories, as the optimal dosages to avoid these adverse effects are currently unknown.
