Skin rash from blood pressure medication: what to know

A drug rash may be itchy, red, blotchy or raised and can begin after a new prescription, a dose change or even after long-term use. Other explanations include contact irritation, infection, sun sensitivity or a separate skin condition. Tell the clinician the exact medicine, when it was started, whether the rash followed a dose and what else you take. Some blood pressure medicines can also cause swelling of the lips or tongue, which is an emergency sign.

Take a clear photograph if the rash changes quickly, and record its location, spread, itch and associated symptoms. Call the prescriber or pharmacist for advice before changing the medicine. They may recommend observation, a replacement medicine or an examination. Keep checking blood pressure as instructed, but do not take extra doses to compensate for a missed tablet. Bring your medicine list to any review.

Call emergency services for facial, lip or tongue swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness or a tight throat. Seek urgent assessment for blistering, peeling, painful skin, mouth or eye sores, fever with a rash, or a rapidly spreading reaction. Seek prompt review for a new rash even when you feel well, so the medicine decision is made safely and your blood pressure remains managed.

Could this rash be caused by my blood pressure medicine? Should I take the next dose? Is an alternative suitable for me? Do I need blood pressure monitoring or tests? How should a suspected reaction be recorded?