Propranolol-induced acneiform eruptions: revisiting a rare cutaneous side effect

Propranolol-induced acneiform eruptions: revisiting a rare cutaneous side effect:

Propranolol is a frequently prescribed non-selective beta-blocker for the management of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, post myocardial infarction, thyrotoxicosis, tremors and migraine prophylaxis.1 Although rare, it may produce dermatological side effects like exacerbation of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia and lupus erythematosus reactions.2 Here we describe a case of propranolol-induced acneiform eruption in a patient with no prior history of cutaneous problems.

A 28-year-old man presented with complaints of being worrisome, pounding of heart, trembling of hands, frequent excessive sweating, inability to relax and trouble falling asleep for the last 8–10 months. He had not received any prior treatment for these symptoms and all his routine investigations were normal. After normal cardiology and endocrine consultation, he was diagnosed as a case of a generalised anxiety disorder as per InternationalClassification of Diseases, Tenth Revision and started on sertraline (50 mg), propranolol (40 mg) and clonazepam (1 mg, tapered off over 3 weeks). After...