Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a powerful vasodilator, the pattern of action resembling hydralazine, i.e. direct relaxation of arteriolar smooth muscle with little effect on venous capacitance. Marked vasodilatation elicits strong compensatory reflexes: increased renin release and proximal tubular Na’ reabsorption — marked Na and water retention — oedema and CHF may occur; increased sympathetic activity – palpitation, […]