Hypertrichosis and Congenital Anomalies Associated With Maternal Use of Minoxidil

Abstract

Minoxidil is a potent peripheral vasodilating agent used in the treatment of severe hypertension refractory to more conventional therapy. Its use in pregnant women and its effect on pregnancy outcome have not previously received attention in the medical literature. Hypertrichosis is a well-known side effect of minoxidil.1 It occurs in nearly all patients treated for longer than 4 weeks and is reversible after discontinuation of the drug.2 We recently observed hypertrichosis and multiple congenital anomalies in an infant whose mother was on a regimen of minoxidil, as well as captopril and propranolol, continuously throughout pregnancy As the importance of case reporting in instances of possible teratogenicity has recently been underscored,3 we wish to describe our findings and to encourage additional reports of pregnancy outcome after maternal use of minoxidil.