Adverse reactions of the skin to metoprolol and other beta-adrenoreceptor-blocking agents.

Oral provocation tests revealed the relation between long-term oral use of metoprolol and development of psoriasiform and/or eczematous skin lesions in 3 patients. The clinical and histopathological findings in 1 case are described more in detail and are discussed. The data in the recent literature, with respect to side effects of skin due to different beta-blocking agents, are summarized. In addition, some aspects dealing with possible mechanism in the side effects of beta-blocking agents are briefly discussed. Since beta-blocking agents may cause similar side effects, as described during practolol treatment, on should still be alert to this possibility during long-term treatment with (new) beta-blocking agents, which may allow us to prevent serious damage that might occur in different organs.