Erythema multiforme associated with candesartan cilexetil.
Candesartan cilexetil is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that is widely used in the treatment of hypertension. It is generally well tolerated and rarely has adverse effects. We report the case of a 50-year-old man with a 3-year history of hypertension that was difficult to manage because of intolerance to multiple medications. Treatment with candesartan cilexetil was initiated, and blood pressure control improved markedly. Five weeks later, the patient presented with a 2 x 3-cm ulcerative plaque covered with a fibrinous exudate on the right upper lip. Findings from a biopsy of the upper lip were diagnostic for erythema multiforme. Treatment with candesartan cilexetil was discontinued, and the lesions resolved completely within a few weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first report of erythema multiforme induced by the antihypertensive medication candesartan cilexetil.
Ejaz
A Ahsan
AA
Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and the Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA. tigris@att.net
Walsh
John S
JS
Wasiluk
Andrew
A
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001562:Benzimidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D008047:Lip Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010409:Penile Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D013777:Tetrazoles
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001562:Benzimidazoles; D001713:Biphenyl Compounds; D013777:Tetrazoles; C077793:candesartan cilexetil