Atenolol-induced lupus erythematosus

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1997 Aug;37(2 Pt 2):298-9.

Abstract

Atenolol is a beta-blocker commonly used for treating hypertension. It can induce various kinds of adverse side effects, including psoriasiform skin eruptions, skin necrosis, vasculitis, and (rarely) drug-induced connective tissue disease. We encountered a patient receiving atenolol for his hypertension for 3 years who subsequently acquired connective tissue disease and antihistone antibodies. The initial serologic antinuclear antibody test was negative at a dilution of 1/20 but was positive after further serial dilutions, indicating the prozone phenomenon as the cause of the false-negative result. Six months after discontinuation of atenolol, the skin rash disappeared and antihistone antibody subsided. His skin rash reappeared on rechallenge with atenolol for 3 days, confirming that atenolol was responsible for his lupus erythematosus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arm
  • Atenolol / adverse effects*
  • Biopsy
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Atenolol