Pleural Effusion Induced by Systemic Consumption of Topical Minoxidil: A Rare Case Report
June 2022
in “
Current drug safety
”
TLDR Topical minoxidil can rarely cause pleural effusion if ingested.
A rare case report describes a patient without chronic kidney disease who developed pleural effusion due to the unintentional oral consumption of topical minoxidil. The patient exhibited symptoms such as 90% oxygen saturation, dullness to percussion, asymmetrical chest expansion, and diminished air entry. Imaging revealed bilateral pleural opacities and minimal pleural effusions. Treatment with diuretics and airway management led to complete resolution. The report emphasizes that physicians should consider the rare side effects of topical minoxidil, including pleural effusion, in their differential diagnosis.
