WBR0759
| Author | [[PageAuthor::Rim Halaby, M.D. [1]]] |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | ExamType::USMLE Step 1 |
| Main Category | MainCategory::Pharmacology |
| Sub Category | SubCategory::Vascular, SubCategory::General Principles |
| Prompt | [[Prompt::A 45 year old male patient with no past medical history presents to the physician's office for hair loss. Upon further questioning, the patient explains that he has a strong family history of baldness. Physical examination shows male-pattern baldness with no evidence of skin disease. The physician prescribes a topical medication for hair loss. The patient asks if he can use the same active ingredient of the medication but as oral tablets instead of topical solution. The physician informs the patient that the oral form of the same medication has another indication. What is the most likely indication for the oral form of the prescribed topical solution?]] |
| Answer A | AnswerA::Dyslipidemia |
| Answer A Explanation | AnswerAExp::Minoxidil is not used to treat dyslipidemia. |
| Answer B | AnswerB::Atopic dermatitis |
| Answer B Explanation | AnswerBExp::Minoxidil is not used to treat atopic dermatitis. |
| Answer C | AnswerC::Hypertension |
| Answer C Explanation | AnswerCExp::Oral minoxidil is used to treat severe refractory hypertension. |
| Answer D | AnswerD::Psoriasis |
| Answer D Explanation | AnswerDExp::Minoxidil is not used to treat psoriasis. |
| Answer E | AnswerE::Anemia |
| Answer E Explanation | AnswerEExp::Minoxidil is not used to treat anemia. |
| Right Answer | RightAnswer::C |
| Explanation | [[Explanation::Minoxidil is a potent antihypertensive medication that causes vasodilation. Although initially produced for its antihypertensive effects, it was then found to cause hair growth as a side effect. As such, it is now produced as a topical solution for the treatment of male-pattern baldness. Minoxidil has a powerful effect only when it is is continuously used topically. Patients who fail to adhere to its use will not benefit from hair growth; and hair that already grew with the help of minoxidil will fall again if the medication is discontinued.
Oral minoxidil is still used for severe refractory cases of hypertension; although its use has generally decreased due to its serious side effect profile, including cardiac adverse events. Educational Objective: Topical minoxidil may be used for male-pattern baldness, whereas oral minoxidil may be used to treat refractory severe hypertension. |
| Approved | Approved::No |
| Keyword | WBRKeyword::minoxidil, WBRKeyword::hypertension, WBRKeyword::antihypertensive, WBRKeyword::medication, WBRKeyword::side, WBRKeyword::effect, WBRKeyword::topical, WBRKeyword::solution, WBRKeyword::male, WBRKeyword::pattern, WBRKeyword::baldness, WBRKeyword::bald, WBRKeyword::hair, WBRKeyword::loss, WBRKeyword::growth |
| Linked Question | Linked:: |
| Order in Linked Questions | LinkedOrder:: |