The calcium channel blocker diltiazem, widely used to treat hypertension and angina, can cause reticulated hyperpigmentation in sun-exposed skin, said Dr. Lubomira Scherschun and associates at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit.
They reported such cases in African American women, mean age 62 years, who used the long-acting formulation (Cardizem CD) for 6-11 months before on set of the eruption-reticulated, blue-gray patches on the glabella, malar eminences, neck, upper chest, and distal aspects of the arms and hands. There was sparing of the nasolabial folds, submental regions, and posterior auricular triangles. "These features are noticeably different than those of other drug- or chemical-induced photodistributed hyperpigmentation," they said (Arch. Dermatol. 137[2]:179-82, 2001).
The condition resolved in all four women after the drug was discontinued and replaced by antihypertensive agents other than calcium channel blockers.
COPYRIGHT 2001 International Medical News Group
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group
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