Exfoliative dermatitis from captopril.

Captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme blocker, has recently been released for limited clinical use in the treatment of refractory congestive heart failure and severe hypertension. The only major dermatologic side effects from this medication have been either an urticarial or an erythematous, maculopapular eruption. This paper presents what I believe to be the first reported case of exfoliative erythroderma associated with the use of captopril. Although this medication may be lifesaving with its minimal side effects, close attention should be paid to the dermatologic side effects of this drug.