Minoxidil Overdosage: A Case Report

Abstract A 64-year-old man ingested about 60 ml 2% of topical minoxidil solution in order tomake his hair grow faster. Twelve hours after ingestion he was brought to the University Clinic of Toxicology with severe hypotension, tachycardia, chest pain and subendocardial ischemia. ECG showed diffuse T-wave inversion and depressed ST segments. He was also oligoanuric at admission. In spite of the intensive hydration with crystalloidsolutions and intravenous dopamine administration that resulted in partial hemodynamic improvement and resolution of the ECG changes, kidneyfailure occurred. After two hymodialysis sessions, urea and creatinine levels returned to normal and rebound hypertension appeared. The patient was discharged after 12 days of hospitalization in a good condition. Topical minoxidilsolution is formulation used for treatment of androgenic alopecia. If orally ingested it leads to severe hypotension, acute coronary syndrome, compensatory tachycardia and acute kidneyfailure. Emergency therapeutic approach is a precondition for successful outcome.