A Hairy Fall: Syncope Resulting from Topical Application of Minoxidil

In 2015, a case was reported of a 29-year-old man who experienced syncope (fainting) and general malaise after using a high-strength formulation of topical minoxidil for hair growth restoration. The man's symptoms, which included two episodes of fainting after exercising and feeling faint upon standing, began 12 weeks after he started using the product and resolved once he stopped using it. His blood pressure, which was borderline low at 104/62 mm Hg while using the product, returned to a normal level of 115/80 mm Hg after discontinuation. Other potential cardiovascular and endocrine causes were ruled out through a series of assessments. This case highlighted the potential for hypotension and syncope with the use of high-strength topical minoxidil, a powerful systemic antihypertensive agent.