RISK OF ROSACEA WITH VASODILATORS

A 60-year-old man recovering from a myocardial infarction was started on vasodilator therapy with 80mg of sustained release pentaerythritol tetranitrate daily. Afterwards, he continually experienced flushing episodes of his entire face with reddening of his eyes and a subjective sensation of heat. He denied use of tobacco, alcohol, and hot coffee or tea. 14 years after starting pentaerythritol he sought medical advice for rosacea, rhinophyma, and several non-purulent, erythematous papules on his nose. Telangiectasia and erythema were also present on the malar, mental, and nasal areas, and follicles were patulous. Laboratory examination of malar, ambient, and axillary temperatures were continuously monitored and interpreted after administration of an 80mg dose of pentaerythritol tetranitrate. The ratio of the malar. thermal circulation index during the drug -induced flush and the baseline malar thermal circulation index was 1.86 at 35 minutes, indicating a strong vasodilatory response in the malar cutaneous vasculature. The risks of developing or exacerbating rosacea may not justify institution of vasodilator therapy. Wilkin. 1.K. : Archives of [lermatology 116: 598 (May 1980)

0156-2703/80/0607-0007 $00.50/0 ©ADlS Press INPHARMA 7 Jun 1980 7