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Minoxidil topical solution: an unsafe product for children
Isabelle Claudet1, Caroline Cortey, Raphaele Honorat
1From the *Pediatric Emergency Department, Children University Hospital and †Regional Poison Center, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|November 27, 2014
Summary
Accidental ingestion of topical minoxidil by a child caused severe intoxication, including prolonged hypotension and ECG changes. This highlights the risks of minoxidil hair solution in pediatric cases.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Minoxidil hair formulations are widely used for androgenic alopecia.
- The over-the-counter availability of minoxidil contributes to a perception of safety, even for pediatric use.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old girl experienced significant intoxication after ingesting a teaspoon of topical minoxidil.
- She presented with emesis, severe hypotension (lasting 40 hours), and sinus tachycardia with T-wave flattening on ECG.
Findings:
- The child's hypotension was profound and prolonged, with the lowest blood pressure recorded 24 hours post-ingestion.
- Standard fluid resuscitation had no immediate hemodynamic effect, indicating the severity of the minoxidil toxicity.
- Cardiac enzymes remained normal, but ECG changes suggested myocardial effects.
Implications:
- Topical minoxidil solutions pose a significant risk of severe intoxication in children.
- Enhanced child-resistant packaging and stricter controls on over-the-counter sales are crucial.
- Pediatricians and emergency departments must be aware of minoxidil toxicity symptoms.
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