The captopril-induced eruption. A possible mechanism: cutaneous kinin potentiation.

Captopril, an orally active dipeptidyl-carboxypeptidase inhibitor, is a promising new antihypertensive agent. Cutaneous reactions are the most common side effects of this therapy. The data from 15 previous cases and seven new ones are reviewed. The cutaneous eruptions appear to be pharmacologic. In nature, occurring mostly at higher dosage schedules and resolving at lower dosage levels. Historical data, the results of skin tests, and the known pharmacology of captpril suggest that these captopril-induced eruptions may be the result of potentiation of kinin-mediated cutaneous reactions.