LONG-TERM TREATMENT OF SEVERE HYPERTENSION WITH MINOXIDIL

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 117  (10) , 1178-+
Abstract
Minoxidil, a new potent hypotensive agent, was used as the primary antihypertensive agent in 11 patients, 10 men and 1 woman aged 35-54 yr with severe hypertension that was refractory to treatment with maximal (or maximally tolerated) doses of conventional antihypertensive agents. Six patients had severely impaired renal function and 3 of them were undergoing long-term hemodialysis. The patients were given 2.5-40 mg/day of minoxidil for periods of 2 to 29 mo. All except 1 who was almost anuric received propranolol and diuretics. Blood pressure was controlled satisfactorily in all patients. In 2 patients the hypertension became partially resistant after 1 yr of treatment. The main side effects were Na retention, tachycardia and hirsutism. Renal function remained stable or improved and hemodialysis was discontinued in 2 patients. Minoxidil is a remarkably potent hypotensive with relatively few side effects and seems particularly advantageous in patients with chronic renal failure.