Title:Pleural Effusion Induced by Systemic Consumption of Topical Minoxidil:
A Rare Case Report
Volume: 18
Issue: 4
Author(s): Sri Hari Tanguturi Yella, Kistigari Satyanarayana Pramod Kumar, Sree Sudha Tanguturi Yella*, Ruuzeno Kuotsu, Kota Sesha Brahma Sree Krishna Sasanka and Pugazhenthan Thangaraju
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.
Keywords:
Topical minoxidil, pleural effusion, oral infusion, non-kidney disease, patient, topical solutions.
Abstract:
Introduction: Pleural effusions can be caused by several conditions such as cancer, connective
tissue disease, and infection. They are occasionally caused due to the adverse drug reaction. Most
commonly, systemic minoxidil use can cause pleural effusions in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Case Presentation: We present a case of a patient without chronic kidney disease who developed
pleural effusion as a result of unintentional use of topical minoxidil orally. The patient's oxygen
saturation was 90% on room air; there was dullness to percussion and asymmetrical chest expansion
with diminished air entry on both sides. In chest x-ray there were bilateral pleural opacities.
Minimal pleural effusions were shown in ultrasonography of the chest. The patient was managed
with diuretics and airway management which resolved completely.
Conclusion: Minoxidil is a commonly used drug by many people for the treatment of hair fall with
or without doctor advice. We would like to stress that even though rare, physicians/pulmonologists
should be aware of the rare side effects of topical minoxidil, and it should be kept in mind as a
differential diagnosis for pleural effusion.