Metabolism of minoxidil, a new hypotensive agent I: absorption, distribution, and excretion following administration to rats, dogs, and monkeys.

Minoxidil (2,4-diamino-6-piperidinopyrimidine 3-oxide), a potent new hypotensive agent, was 14C-labeled in the 2-position of the pyrimidine ring in 17 percent yield from Ba14CO3. This material was used to study the absorption, distribution, and excretion of the drug in rats, dogs, and monkeys. Following oral administration of a single dose, the drug was rapidly and well absorbed and rapidly eliminated by each species as judged by plasma levels and urinary excretion of unchanged drug and total drug-related materials. Chronic oral administration of the drug at a high level (10 mg/kg) for 30 days slightly increased the rate of clearance of minoxidil and minoxidil-related material from circulation. Water diuresis, resulting from water loading of dogs, caused an even greater increase in the rates of disappearance of the drug and drug-related material. Whole-body autoradiography studies in rats showed that minoxidil was rapidly distributed following its oral and intravenous administration. It was subsequently concentrated, primarily in the excretory system. Minoxidil-related material was detected in aorta walls, but not in the CNS, following both routes of drug administration.