Treatment of Severe Hypertension with Minoxidil: Advantages and Limitations

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Abstract
Minoxidil, a new peripheral vasodilator, was administered to 26 hypertensive patients who were previously uncontrolled on other medications or had dose-limiting side effects. Minoxidil provided therapeutic advantages in all patients, regardless of the etiology of their hypertension, no symptoms of orthostatic hypotension or sympathetic nervous system depression, simplification of medical regimens and regression of impotence in 4 of 7 patients. The major limiting factors encountered were fluid retention with development of congestive heart failure in 3 patients, pericardial effusion in 3 patients and hypertrichosis, which reduced its acceptability in female patients.