Relationship between Serum Concentrations, Hemodynamic Effects, and Cardiovascular Lesions in Dogs Treated with Minoxidil

The study investigated the effects of minoxidil on dogs and found that higher doses resulted in increased heart rate and decreased mean arterial pressure, leading to cardiovascular toxicity. The study established a correlation between serum concentration, hemodynamic effects, and cardiovascular toxicity of minoxidil in dogs. The study suggests that the safety margin of drugs like minoxidil should be based on the ratio of the pharmacokinetically and metabolically adjusted dose/serum concentration of the drug that evokes comparable pharmacologic effects in the animal model and humans.