Minoxidil Side Effects

Warning

• Risk of developing potentially serious cardiac effects.110 b (See Cardiovascular Effects under Cautions.) Pericardial effusion, progressing to tamponade may occur and angina pectoris may be exacerbated.110 b Reserve for hypertensive patients who do not respond to maximum therapeutic doses of a diuretic and 2 other antihypertensive agents.110 b

• In animal studies, minoxidil caused myocardial lesions and other adverse cardiac effects.110 b

• Administer under close supervision, usually concomitantly with a β-adrenergic blocking agent (β-blocker) and a diuretic, usually a loop diuretic, to prevent adverse effects.110 b

• Hospitalize and monitor patients with malignant hypertension or those already receiving concomitant guanethidine therapy to prevent too rapid or severe orthostatic decreases in BP.110 b