35 citations
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July 1981 in “Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics” Minoxidil can cause dangerous fluid buildup around the heart.
14 citations
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October 1977 in “The Lancet”
August 2025 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” The document discusses the findings of Gupta et al. regarding the incidence of pericardial effusions in patients using oral minoxidil, particularly for alopecia. The study found a 1.27% incidence rate and a dose-independent relationship for pericardial effusions, with a significant association in patients using minoxidil for hypertension. Only 6.7% of cases were reported in those using it for alopecia. The authors highlight the lack of standardized guidelines for monitoring cardiovascular risks in alopecia patients using oral minoxidil, unlike in hypertension management. They suggest that underreporting of pericardial effusions may occur due to differences in monitoring strategies and advocate for a collaborative approach between specialties to improve risk stratification and patient monitoring. The need for further research to establish standardized protocols and guidelines for oral minoxidil use in alopecia is emphasized to minimize adverse events and enhance treatment efficacy.
December 2024 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Oral minoxidil rarely causes pericardial effusion, especially at low doses.
September 2024 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Low-dose oral minoxidil can cause serious side effects like heart issues, so use the lowest effective dose.