Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome

Fetal minoxidil syndrome is a group of symptoms that may be found in a newborn when a mother has taken minoxidil (Loniten) during pregnancy. Minoxidil is a medication that can be used to treat hypertension (increased blood pressure) and alopecia (hair loss). A few cases of maternal use of minoxidil have been published in the medical literature with findings of neonatal (newborn) hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) that gradually resolves during the first six months of life. Other symptoms have been reported, such as congenital heart defects; neurodevelopmental anomalies; and gastrointestinal, kidney, and limb malformations. More studies are needed to determine the potential risks to the fetus during pregnancy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides safety information on minoxidil.