Hypertrichosis and Congenital Anomalies Associated With Maternal Use of Minoxidil

In 1987, a study was conducted observing the effects of minoxidil, a potent peripheral vasodilating agent used for severe hypertension, on pregnant women and their infants. The study found that hypertrichosis, a condition of excessive hair growth, was a common side effect of minoxidil, occurring in nearly all patients treated for longer than 4 weeks. This side effect was found to be reversible after discontinuation of the drug. The study also reported a case of an infant born with hypertrichosis and multiple congenital anomalies whose mother was on a regimen of minoxidil, captopril, and propranolol throughout her pregnancy. The researchers encouraged further reports on pregnancy outcomes after maternal use of minoxidil.