Which medication is associated with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade?

Which medication is associated with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade?

• A. Minoxidil
• B. Captopril
• C. Hydralazine
• D. Labetalol

Answer: (A)

Minoxidil stands out because it is a potent arteriolar vasodilator used for resistant hypertension, and its distinctive adverse effect includes fluid retention with the potential to develop pericardial effusion. In some patients, this accumulation of fluid around the heart can progress to cardiac tamponade if the effusion becomes large. To mitigate these risks, minoxidil is typically started together with a beta-blocker to blunt reflex tachycardia and a diuretic to control fluid retention. The other drugs listed—captopril (an ACE inhibitor), hydralazine (another vasodilator but with a different side‑effect profile), and labetalol (an alpha/beta blocker)—do not classically cause pericardial effusion or tamponade.

Minoxidil stands out because it is a potent arteriolar vasodilator used for resistant hypertension, and its distinctive adverse effect includes fluid retention with the potential to develop pericardial effusion. In some patients, this accumulation of fluid around the heart can progress to cardiac tamponade if the effusion becomes large. To mitigate these risks, minoxidil is typically started together with a beta-blocker to blunt reflex tachycardia and a diuretic to control fluid retention. The other drugs listed—captopril (an ACE inhibitor), hydralazine (another vasodilator but with a different side‑effect profile), and labetalol (an alpha/beta blocker)—do not classically cause pericardial effusion or tamponade.