Treatment of Severe Hypertension with Minoxidil: Advantages and Limitations

This document from 44 years ago discusses the use of minoxidil for the treatment of severe hypertension. The study found that minoxidil was effective in controlling blood pressure in all patients, regardless of the underlying cause of hypertension. However, there were some limitations to its use, including side effects such as hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), reflex stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, and sodium retention. The study also found that renal function tended to improve in most patients after four to six months of therapy. Overall, minoxidil was considered a major improvement in the management of severe hypertension, but its side effects may limit its general use in some patients.