Minoxidil

To what class of drugs does minoxidil belong?

Direct-acting vasodilators.
What are the indications associated with minoxidil?
- Severe HTN
- Alopecia androgenetica
What is minoxidil's target MOA?

Activates K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle.
Target MOA: why does minoxidil's activation of K+ channels lead to vascular smooth muscle relaxation?

The efflux of K+ from smooth muscle cells causes hyperpolarization, making it more difficult to stimulate voltage gated calcium channels.
Minoxidil exerts its effect more greatly on (arterial/venous) blood vessels.

Arterial > venous.
How does minoxidil's MOA help to lower BP?

Relaxation of vascular smooth muscle leads to decreased peripheral vascular resistance
What are some adverse effects associated with minoxidil?
- ECG - T wave changes
- Peripheral edema
- Hypertrichosis (abnormal hair growth)
- Dry scalp, dandruff

Author

jdonaldson

73607

Card Set

Minoxidil

Description

I'm the great bambino.

Updated

2011-03-18T03:10:43Z

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