]> 2026-07-31T14:08:24+00:00 WBR0759 0 en Dyslipidemia Oral minoxidil is not used to treat dyslipidemia. Atopic dermatitis Oral minoxidil is not used to treat atopic dermatitis. Hypertension Oral minoxidil is used to treat severe refractory hypertension. Psoriasis Oral minoxidil is not used to treat psoriasis. Anemia Oral minoxidil is not used to treat anemia. Minoxidil is a potent vasodilator indicated for the management of hypertension. Although initially manufactured for its antihypertensive effects, it was then discovered to cause hair growth. Topical minoxidil is currently manufactured and indicated for male pattern baldness. Compliance with the topical agent is difficult because it requires daily application, whereas the sustained benefit is only observed if the drug is applied daily and consistently. Oral minoxidil is still used for severe refractory cases of hypertension; although its use has generally decreased given the availability of other potent and safer drugs and its association with serious cardiac adverse events.<br/> '''Educational Objective:''' Topical minoxidil may be applied daily to treat male-pattern baldness. In contrast, oral minoxidil is indicated for severe refractory hypertension.<br/> '''References:''' Storer JS, Brzuskiewicz J, Floyd H, et al. Topical minoxidil for male pattern baldness. Am J Med Sci. 1986;291(5)<br> Pharmacology A 45-year-old man with no past medical history presents to the physician's office for hair loss. Upon further questioning, the patient explains that he has a strong family history of alopecia. Physical examination is remarkable for male pattern baldness with no evidence of skin disease. The physician prescribes a topical medication to reduce the patient's hair loss. The patient then asks if he can use the same drug in an oral preparation instead, but the physician explains that oral administration of the drug is indicated for another disease. What is the indication for the oral form of the prescribed topical solution? C Vascular General Principles 2020-10-28T01:36:22Z 2459150.5669213 WBR0759