Refractory Shock Following Ingestion of Topical Minoxidil Solution

In 2016, a case report detailed a 58-year-old male patient who experienced refractory shock and pulmonary edema after accidentally ingesting approximately 20 ml of a 5% topical minoxidil solution. Despite initial treatment with intravenous fluids and dopamine infusion, the patient's condition necessitated mechanical ventilation and additional vasopressor support with noradrenaline and vasopressin. After 12 hours, the patient's blood pressure stabilized, and he was weaned off mechanical ventilation. However, he developed bilateral papilledema, which resolved spontaneously without residual visual complaints. This case highlighted the life-threatening potential of ingesting topical minoxidil, a potent vasodilator, and the complications that can arise, such as tachycardia, fluid retention, pulmonary edema, and unusual manifestations like papilledema without raised intracranial pressure. The report emphasized the need for physician awareness regarding the management of such emergencies, especially given the increased over-the-counter availability of topical minoxidil.