Description
Minoxidil Tablets IP 5 mg is a prescription oral antihypertensive medication containing 5 mg of minoxidil, a potent direct-acting peripheral vasodilator. It is indicated for the treatment of severe, treatment-resistant hypertension, especially in patients who do not respond adequately to standard antihypertensive therapies.
Mechanism of Action
Minoxidil acts primarily on arteriolar smooth muscle, causing direct vasodilation without affecting venous circulation. The drug activates ATP-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to hyperpolarization and relaxation of the arteriolar walls. This results in a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. However, because minoxidil does not block reflex responses, the body often compensates with increased heart rate (reflex tachycardia) and sodium and water retention, which is why it must be used in conjunction with a beta-blocker and a diuretic.
Indications:
- Indicated for the treatment of severe high blood pressure that is unresponsive to standard antihypertensive medications.
- Especially effective in patients who require multiple agents and still have uncontrolled blood pressure.
- Used in cases of resistant hypertension, where at least three different classes of antihypertensive drugs (including a diuretic) have failed to adequately control blood pressure.
- Particularly useful in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) where fluid overload and vascular resistance contribute to uncontrolled hypertension.
- As part of a multi-drug regimen, minoxidil may be used in cases of malignant or accelerated hypertension under close monitoring, particularly when there is target organ damage.
- In select cases, oral minoxidil may be used in a step-down approach after stabilization, but it is not a first-line agent for hypertensive emergencies.
