CLINICAL USE


Severe hypertension (in addition to a diuretic and a beta-blocker)Male pattern baldness

DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION

Initially 5 mg (elderly 2.5 mg) daily in 1–2 doses increased by 5–10 mg every 3 or more days; maximum 50 mg dailyMale pattern baldness: 1 mL twice daily

PHARMACOKINETICS

  • Molecular weight &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp :209.2
  • %Protein binding &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp :0
  • %Excreted unchanged in urine &nbsp &nbsp : 15–20
  • Volume of distribution (L/kg) &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp : 2–3
  • half-life – normal/ESRD (hrs)&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp :4.2/8.9

    DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT

    GFR (mL/MIN)

  • 20 to 50 &nbsp &nbsp : Start with small doses and titrate according to response.
  • 10 to 20 &nbsp &nbsp : Start with small doses and titrate according to response.
  • <10 &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp : Start with small doses and titrate according to response.

    DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES

  • CAPD &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp:Dialysed. Dose as in GFR <10 mL/min

  • HD &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp :Dialysed. Dose as in GFR <10 mL/min
  • HDF/high flux &nbsp :Dialysed. Dose as in GFR <10 mL/min
  • CAV/VVHD &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp:Dialysed. Dose as in GFR=10-20 mL/min

    IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs
  • Anaesthetics: enhanced hypotensive effect

    ADMINISTRATION

    Reconstition

    Route

    Oral

    Rate of Administration

    Comments

    OTHER INFORMATION

    A study of the pharmacokinetics of minoxidil in patients with varying degrees of renal impairment found that the non-renal clearance was also impaired as renal function worsened. Substantial accumulation of minoxidil might occur in these patients during multiple-dose therapy. Recommended that minoxidil therapy be initiated with smaller doses or a longer dose interval in patients with significant renal impairmentMinoxidil is a peripheral vasodilator and should be given in conjunction with a diuretic to control salt and water retention, and a beta-blocker to control reflex tachycardia. Patients on dialysis do not need to be given minoxidil in conjunction with a diureticFollowing topical application, between 0.3% and 4.5% of the total applied dose of minoxidil is absorbed from intact scalp.