Minoxidil MCQs With Answer

Minoxidil MCQs With Answer
Minoxidil is a vasodilator and topical hair-growth agent widely studied in pharmacology and therapeutics. This introduction covers mechanism of action (ATP-sensitive K+ channel opening), active metabolite (minoxidil sulfate), clinical uses (severe refractory hypertension and androgenetic alopecia), pharmacokinetics (hepatic sulfation, renal excretion), common and serious adverse effects (hypertrichosis, fluid retention, pericardial effusion), necessary adjunct therapy (beta-blocker and diuretic), and pharmacogenomic determinants of response (sulfotransferase activity). These focused points are essential for B.Pharm students preparing for exams and clinical practice. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. What is the primary mechanism by which minoxidil lowers blood pressure?

• Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme
• Opening of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle
• Blockade of L-type calcium channels
• Beta-adrenergic receptor antagonism

Correct Answer: Opening of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle

Q2. Which form of minoxidil is pharmacologically active?

• Parent minoxidil molecule
• Minoxidil sulfate (sulfated metabolite)
• Minoxidil glucuronide
• Minoxidil phosphate

Correct Answer: Minoxidil sulfate (sulfated metabolite)

Q3. Oral minoxidil is primarily indicated for which condition?

• Mild, uncomplicated hypertension
• Severe refractory hypertension unresponsive to other agents
• Acute hypertensive emergencies in the emergency room
• Primary prevention of hypertension

Correct Answer: Severe refractory hypertension unresponsive to other agents

Q4. Topical minoxidil is widely used for which dermatologic indication?

• Psoriasis vulgaris
• Atopic dermatitis
• Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)
• Melasma

Correct Answer: Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)

Q5. Which adjunctive medications are commonly required when prescribing oral minoxidil for hypertension?

• ACE inhibitor and statin
• Beta-blocker and loop diuretic
• Calcium channel blocker and thiazide diuretic
• Alpha-blocker and potassium supplement

Correct Answer: Beta-blocker and loop diuretic

Q6. Which of the following is the most common cosmetically significant adverse effect of topical minoxidil?

• Skin necrosis
• Hypertrichosis (excess hair growth)
• Severe photosensitivity
• Depigmentation

Correct Answer: Hypertrichosis (excess hair growth)

Q7. Which serious cardiovascular adverse effect is associated with oral minoxidil and may require urgent evaluation?

• Atrial fibrillation
• Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism

Correct Answer: Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade

Q8. How does minoxidil cause vascular smooth muscle relaxation at the cellular level?

• By increasing intracellular calcium concentration
• By hyperpolarizing the cell membrane via K+ channel opening
• By stimulating guanylate cyclase to increase cGMP
• By blocking sodium channels

Correct Answer: By hyperpolarizing the cell membrane via K+ channel opening

Q9. Which hepatic enzyme family is primarily responsible for converting minoxidil to its active sulfate metabolite?

• CYP3A4
• Sulfotransferases (SULT enzymes)
• UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs)
• Monoamine oxidases (MAOs)

Correct Answer: Sulfotransferases (SULT enzymes)

Q10. Pharmacogenomic variability in which enzyme influences topical minoxidil response in hair follicles?

• CYP2D6
• SULT1A1 activity
• GSTP1 polymorphism
• COMT genetic variants

Correct Answer: SULT1A1 activity

Q11. Which routes of administration are clinically available for minoxidil?

• Oral and topical
• Intravenous only
• Subcutaneous and intramuscular
• Inhalational and nasal

Correct Answer: Oral and topical

Q12. Which physiological response commonly occurs following the vasodilatory action of oral minoxidil?

• Bradycardia and diuresis
• Reflex tachycardia and sodium/water retention
• Decreased cardiac output without compensatory changes
• Increased peripheral venous tone

Correct Answer: Reflex tachycardia and sodium/water retention

Q13. Which statement about minoxidil use in pregnancy is most appropriate?

• Systemic minoxidil is recommended for pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Oral minoxidil should generally be avoided during pregnancy; topical use requires caution
• Topical and oral minoxidil are both proven safe in pregnancy
• No special precautions are needed for women of reproductive age

Correct Answer: Oral minoxidil should generally be avoided during pregnancy; topical use requires caution

Q14. Concomitant use of which common drug class can reduce the antihypertensive effect of minoxidil?

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Statins
• Antacids
• Topical corticosteroids

Correct Answer: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Q15. How long does topical minoxidil usually take before clinically noticeable hair regrowth appears?

• 1–2 days
• 1–2 weeks
• 3–6 months
• 2–3 years

Correct Answer: 3–6 months

Q16. Regarding minoxidil’s effect on hair follicles, which mechanism contributes to hair regrowth?

• Inhibition of dermal papilla cell proliferation
• Prolongation of anagen phase and opening of follicular potassium channels
• Direct androgen receptor antagonism
• Blocking DHT synthesis

Correct Answer: Prolongation of anagen phase and opening of follicular potassium channels

Q17. Which monitoring is essential when a patient starts oral minoxidil?

• Liver function tests weekly
• Regular blood pressure and assessment for edema/pericardial symptoms
• Routine MRI scans
• Daily blood glucose monitoring

Correct Answer: Regular blood pressure and assessment for edema/pericardial symptoms

Q18. Which symptom in a patient on oral minoxidil warrants immediate cardiac evaluation?

• Mild headache
• Progressive dyspnea and chest discomfort suggesting pericardial effusion
• Transient dizziness on standing for a few seconds
• Temporary alopecia in non-treated areas

Correct Answer: Progressive dyspnea and chest discomfort suggesting pericardial effusion

Q19. Which drug class helps control minoxidil-induced reflex tachycardia?

• ACE inhibitors
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium supplements
• Alpha-2 agonists

Correct Answer: Beta-blockers

Q20. Which diuretic type is preferred to counteract minoxidil-induced sodium and fluid retention?

• Thiazide diuretics
• Loop diuretics
• Potassium-sparing diuretics
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Correct Answer: Loop diuretics

Q21. Which of the following is NOT a recognized adverse effect of minoxidil therapy?

• Hypertrichosis
• Pericardial effusion
• Gingival hyperplasia
• Fluid retention and edema

Correct Answer: Gingival hyperplasia

Q22. Which statement best describes minoxidil’s pharmacological classification?

• Direct arteriolar vasodilator
• Peripheral alpha-1 blocker
• Central sympathetic inhibitor
• ACE inhibitor

Correct Answer: Direct arteriolar vasodilator

Q23. Primary route of elimination for minoxidil and its metabolites is via:

• Fecal excretion
• Renal excretion (urine)
• Exhalation through lungs
• Biliary secretion exclusively

Correct Answer: Renal excretion (urine)

Q24. Which laboratory or functional test has been investigated to predict topical minoxidil response in patients?

• Hair follicle sulfotransferase activity assay
• Serum creatinine kinase levels
• Blood urea nitrogen test
• Serum ferritin measurement

Correct Answer: Hair follicle sulfotransferase activity assay

Q25. Which topical minoxidil concentration is commonly recommended for male androgenetic alopecia?

• 0.1% solution
• 1% solution
• 2% solution
• 5% solution

Correct Answer: 5% solution

Q26. Minoxidil’s antihypertensive effect primarily reduces which haemodynamic parameter?

• Preload only
• Afterload (systemic vascular resistance)
• Heart rate directly
• Central venous pressure exclusively

Correct Answer: Afterload (systemic vascular resistance)

Q27. Which patient population is minoxidil especially reserved for in antihypertensive therapy?

• Patients with mild, newly diagnosed hypertension
• Patients with severe hypertension unresponsive to multiple agents
• Children under 2 years of age
• Pregnant women as first-line therapy

Correct Answer: Patients with severe hypertension unresponsive to multiple agents

Q28. Which topical adverse reaction can occur at the application site of minoxidil?

• Contact dermatitis and local irritation
• Systemic immunosuppression
• Permanent scarring alopecia
• Cutaneous lymphoma

Correct Answer: Contact dermatitis and local irritation

Q29. Which statement about minoxidil dosing and discontinuation for hair regrowth is correct?

• Hair regrowth persists indefinitely after a short course
• Continued application is required to maintain regrowth; stopping leads to reversal
• One application per month is sufficient
• Oral minoxidil is always preferred for hair regrowth maintenance

Correct Answer: Continued application is required to maintain regrowth; stopping leads to reversal

Q30. Which pharmacologic property explains why topical minoxidil may have fewer systemic cardiovascular effects than oral minoxidil?

• Topical formulation has higher systemic bioavailability
• Topical use results in lower systemic absorption and exposure
• Topical minoxidil is a different active molecule without vasodilatory effects
• Topical minoxidil is administered intramuscularly for slower release

Correct Answer: Topical use results in lower systemic absorption and exposure

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com