Pityriasis rosea-like rash from captopril

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Captopril is an orally active dipeptidylcarboxypeptidase inhibitor used as an antihypertensive agent.
• Cutaneous reactions, such as pityriasis rosea-like eruptions, are known side effects of captopril therapy.

Observation:

• Two new cases of pityriasis rosea-like eruptions associated with captopril use are presented.
• The eruption's course varied with captopril dosage adjustments, suggesting a pharmacologic basis.

Findings:

• In one patient, the eruption resolved after reducing the captopril dosage.
• In the other patient, the eruption persisted with an unchanged dosage but later responded to therapy.
• These cases support a pharmacologic mechanism for captopril-induced pityriasis rosea-like eruptions.

Implications:

• Captopril should be recognized as a potential cause of pityriasis rosea-like eruptions.
• Understanding the pharmacologic link aids in managing antihypertensive drug-induced dermatologic side effects.