A Very Bad Hair Day: Minoxidil Ingestion Causing Shock and Heart Failure.

Minoxidil is a potent directly acting vasodilator previously used in treatment-resistant hypertension. It possesses several serious side effects including fluid retention, worsening of heart failure, reflex tachycardia, angina, myocardial infarction, pericardial effusion, and hypotension. It is currently reserved for treating alopecia and readily available over the counter as a topical formulation.