Drug reference
minoxidil
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (Vasodilators)
Mechanism of action
Direct vasodilator; dilate arterioles with little effect on vein, decreases systemic resistance, which subsequently decreases blood pressure.
Common side effects
- Irritation
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Oral: Hypertrichosis
- Oral: Abnormal ECG
- Eczema
- Oral: Pericardial effusion
- Hypertrichosis
Boxed warnings
- Can precipitate effusion, occasionally progressing to tamponade May exacerbate angina pectoris Reserve for patients who do not respond adequately to maximum therapeutic doses of a diuretic and 2 other antihypertensives In experimental animals, minoxidil caused several kinds of myocardial lesions as well as other adverse cardiac effects Must be administered under close supervision, usually concomitantly with therapeutic doses of a beta-adrenergic blocking agent to prevent tachycardia and increased myocardial workload Usually given with a diuretic (typically loop diuretic) to pre…
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to minoxidil Pheochromocytoma
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is minoxidil?
minoxidil belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does minoxidil work?
Direct vasodilator; dilate arterioles with little effect on vein, decreases systemic resistance, which subsequently decreases blood pressure.
What are the common side effects of minoxidil?
Irritation, Allergic contact dermatitis, Oral: Hypertrichosis, Oral: Abnormal ECG, Eczema, Oral: Pericardial effusion, Hypertrichosis
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.