Minoxidil - Autoimmune reactions

5/01/02 (Difrancesco)

Question: Have there been reports of autoantibody reactions related to pericardial effusion for the drug minoxidil?

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Unique Identifier:3493745

Authors: Tunkel AR. Shuman M. Popkin M. Seth R. Hoffman B.

Title: Minoxidil-induced systemic lupus erythematosus.

Source: Archives of Internal Medicine. 147(3):599-600, 1987 Mar.

Abstract: A patient treated for two months with the antihypertensive agent minoxidil developed pleural and pericardial effusions in association with a positive antinuclear antibody titer. No evidence of central nervous system or renal involvement was present, and results of specific tests for idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus, including anti-double-stranded DNA and anti-Smith antibodies, were negative. Complement levels were normal. The patient's clinical picture improved and titers of antinuclear antibody decreased after discontinuation of minoxidil therapy, suggesting that minoxidil induced a lupus-like syndrome in this patient. CAS Registry/EC Number 0 (Antibodies, Antinuclear). 38304-91-5 (Minoxidil).

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Unique Identifier:6156358

Authors: Martin WB. Spodick DH. Zins GR.

Title: Pericardial disorders occurring during open-label study of 1,869 severely hypertensive patients treated with minoxidil.

Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology. 2 Suppl 2:S217-27, 1980.