Minoxidil
Information about Minoxidil[edit source]
Minoxidil is an antihypertensive agent that is used largely for patients with severe and refractory hypertension not responding to conventional therapies. Minoxidil is also used topically to treat male pattern baldness.
Liver safety of Minoxidil[edit source]
Despite its use for many years, minoxidil has not been convincingly linked to cases of clinically apparent liver injury.
Mechanism of action of Minoxidil[edit source]
Minoxidil (min ox' i dil) is one of the first antihypertensive agents developed for use in humans. Minoxidil is activated in the liver and acts to relax vascular smooth muscle by opening cell surface potassium channels causing an efflux of potassium, hyperpolarization and relaxation of smooth muscle cells. The increased vasodilation caused by minoxidil can result in a reflex increase in cardiac output and sodium retention for which reasons it is not recommended as monotherapy or as a first line agent for hypertension.
FDA approval information for Minoxidil[edit source]
Minoxidil was approved for use in the United States in 1979 and continues to be used for treatment of severe and refractory hypertension, usually in combination with beta blockers and diuretics. Minoxidil is available in tablets of 2.5 and 10 mg in generic forms and under the brand name Loniten.
Dosage and administration for Minoxidil[edit source]
The usual initial dose in adults is 2.5 to 5 mg once daily, with subsequent adjustment based upon tolerance and clinical effect to a typical maintenance dose is 10 to 40 mg daily.
Side effects of Minoxidil[edit source]
Minoxidil has many side effects including sodium retention, edema, headache, nausea, breast tenderness, gynecomastia, hypertrichosis and rash. The effect on hair growth has led to the use of topical minoxidil to treat male pattern baldness. Antihypertensive agents
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