Minoxidil

Indications
Oral
Severe hypertension unresponsive to standard therapy
Adult: In conjunction with a β-blocker or methyldopa, and a diuretic: Initially, 2.5-5 mg daily; gradually increase at intervals of at least 3 days to 40 or 50 mg daily depending on response. Max: 100 mg daily. Give daily dose in 1-2 divided doses. For a more rapid control of BP: Dose changes may be made every 6 hr with careful monitoring.
Child: In conjunction with a β-blocker or methyldopa, and a diuretic: <12 yr: Initially, 100-200 mcg/kg daily; increase in increments of 100-200 mcg/kg at intervals of at least 3 days, until BP is controlled. Max: 1 mg/kg or 50 mg daily.
Elderly: In conjunction with a β-blocker or methyldopa, and a diuretic: Initially, 2.5 mg daily; increase gradually.
Renal impairment: Initiate at smaller doses or at longer dosage intervals.
Topical/Cutaneous
Male pattern baldness
Adult: Apply 1 ml of a 2% or 5% solution to the scalp bid. 4 mth of treatment may be necessary.
Contraindications
Pheochromocytoma, acute MI, dissecting aortic aneurysm.
Warnings / Precautions
Significant renal dysfunction; coronary artery disease; recent MI; pulmonary hypertension; angina pectoris; chronic CHF; porphyria. Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance, body wt. Restrict topical application to the scalp. Pregnancy.
Adverse Reactions
Reflex tachycardia, fluid retention (accompanied by wt gain, oedema, and sometimes deterioration of existing heart failure and changes in the ECG), hypertrichosis. Headache, nausea, gynaecomastia and breast tenderness, polymenorrhoea, skin rash, thrombocytopenia. Topical: Systemic effects may also occur; contact dermatitis, pruritus, local burning, flushing; changes in hair colour or texture.
Potentially Fatal: Ischaemic heart disease; pericardial effusion progressing to tamponade and death; angina pectoris may be aggravated or uncovered; pulmonary hypertension. Rebound hypertension (in patients with severe hypertension). Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Overdose Reactions
Symptoms: Hypotension, tachycardia, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness syncope, warm flushed skin and palpitations; lethargy and ataxia (in children). Management: Trendelenburg positioning, vasoconstrictor or IV fluids may be used for hypotension; treatment is mainly supportive and symptomatic.
Drug Interactions
Antihypertensive effect may be enhanced by other hypotensive drugs. Topical: Absorption may be increased with corticosteroids, retinoids, occlusive ointment bases.
Potentially Fatal: Severe orthostatic hypotension may occur with guanethidine.
See Below for More minoxidil Drug Interactions
Food Interactions
Avoid natural licorice as it may aggravate fluid retention.
Mechanism of Actions
Minoxidil is an antihypertensive with direct vasodilating property. It reduces elevated BP accompanied by reflex tachycardia, increased cardiac output and elevated plasma renin. Applied topically, minoxidil stimulates hair growth secondary to vasodilation, increases cutaneous blood flow and stimulates resting hair follicles.
Onset: Oral: Approx 30 min. Max effect in 2-3 hr.
Duration: Oral: 2-5 days.
Absorption: 90% absorbed from the GI tract (oral); 0.3-4.5% from intact scalp (topical).
Distribution: Enters breast milk.
Metabolism: Extensively hepatic via glucuronidation.
Excretion: Via urine (as metabolites); 3.5-4.2 hr (elimination half-life).
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Storage Conditions
Oral: Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Topical/Cutaneous: Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F).
ATC Classification
C02DC01 - minoxidil ; Belongs to the class of pyrimidine derivative agents acting on arteriolar smooth muscle. Used in the treatment of hypertension.
D11AX01 - minoxidil ; Belongs to the class of other dermatologicals.
Storage
Oral: Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Topical/Cutaneous: Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F).
Available As
  • Minoxidil 10%
  • Minoxidil 10% w/v
  • Minoxidil 2%
  • Minoxidil 2% w/v
  • Minoxidil 2% w/w
  • Minoxidil 20 mg
  • Minoxidil 3%
  • Minoxidil 5 mg
  • Minoxidil 5%
  • Minoxidil 5% w/v
  • Minoxidil 5% w/w
  • Minoxidil 50 mg
  • Minoxidil 7.5%
  • Subscribe for latest updates

    Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.

    No comments yet.

    Post Review about Minoxidil


    Minoxidil Containing Brands

    We are Developing Our database, More results coming soon.

    Minoxidil is used in following diseases

    We are Developing Our database, More results coming soon.

    Drug - Drug Interactions of Minoxidil

    We are Developing Our database, More results coming soon.