Hair Loss

Dr Proctor sez: To my knowledge, this potentially-serious eye problem does not happen when minoxidil is taken orally. So most likely, it is just coincidental. But I will keep my eye on it....

Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011 Sep 23

Central chorioretinopathy associated with topical use of minoxidil 2% for treatment of baldness.

Scarinci F, et al

Abstract

Purpose: Minoxidil is one of the drugs approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia or male pattern hair loss. This article presents a case of central serous chorioretinopathy after application of topical minoxidil solution. Methods: We examined a 37-year-old man who complained of a positive relative scotoma, metamorphopsia and impaired dark adaptation involving the right eye. The patient reported an 8 month history of daily topical use but denied previous treatment with other drugs. Dilated fundus examination of right eye revealed central swelling located over the macula. Optical coherence tomography showed the presence of subretinal fluid. Fluorescein angiography disclosed one focal hyperfluorescent spot in the foveal area with minimal pigmentary changes limitated to that area. The patient was diagnosed with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) potentially related to an 8 month topical minoxidil solution administration. One month after the drug was discontinued, normal findings were found upon reexamination. The patient reported no previous episode of CSC. Conclusion: Major systemic side effects from topical solution of minoxidil are rare. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a central serous chorioretinopathy associated with long-term use of this drug.

Hair loss hair loss treatment and hair regrowth