[Minoxidil in the treatment of malignant hypertension (author's transl)]

In 21 of 23 patients with hypertension unresponsive to other treatment minoxidil, a new antihypertensive drug acting via peripheral vasodilatation, lowered their blood pressure from 191 +/- 19/117 +/- 12 MM Hg to 147 +/- 13/117 +/- 12 mm Hg. The drug causes a reflex tachycardia and must therefore be combined with beta-blockers. Furthermore, an effective diuretic must also be used because minoxidil causes sodium retention. Hypertrichosis is an important side-effect for which the drug may have to be discontinued, especially in young women. Orthostasis did not occur in the reported series. The authors recommend that the drug be made available for the treatment of malignant hypertension.