Low Dose Oral Minoxidil Found Safe Among Patients with Hypertension or Arrhythmia

A new study published in the Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas suggests that low dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) is safe for patients with hypertension or arrhythmia. Systemic adverse effects (AE) are a major concern of LDOM treatment, especially in patients with arterial hypertension or arrhythmia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of LDOM in these patients.

Study Design

This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients with hypertension or arrhythmia treated with LDOM for any type of alopecia.

Results

A total of 254 patients with hypertension [176 women (69.3%) and 78 men (30.7%)] with a mean age of 56.9 years (range 19-82) were included. From them, the dose of LDOM was titrated in 128 patients, allowing the analysis of 382 doses. Patients were receiving a mean of 1.45 (range 0 - 5) antihypertensive drugs.

Systemic AE were detected in 26 cases (6.8%) and included:

• Lightheadedness (3.1%)
• Fluid retention (2.6%)
• General malaise (0.8%)
• Tachycardia (0.8%)
• Headache (0.5%)

These effects led to LDOM discontinuation in 6 cases (1.5%). Prior treatment with doxazosin (P<0.001), or with three or more antihypertensive drugs (P=0.012) were associated with a higher risk of discontinuation of LDOM.

LDOM treatment showed a favorable safety profile in patients with hypertension or arrhythmia, similar to the general population.

Reference

Cauhe, J Jimenez, et al. "Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas, 2023.

Keywords

• Low
• Dose
• Oral
• Minoxidil
• Found
• Safe
• Among
• Patients
• Hypertension
• Arrhythmia
• Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas