Captopril(D-3-mercapto-2-methylpropronyl-L-proline) is an effective drug used for the
treatment of hypertension, refractory congestive heart failure, and post-myocardial
infarction. Several adverse reactions were reported, including renal, cardiovascular,
mucocutaneous, and hematologic side effects. Aplastic anemia has been also reported as
a rare side effect.
A 71-year-old man was diagnosed as hypertension 3 years ago and has been
controlled with tenormin, amiloride and norvasc. From October 1993 to March 1994, he
was treated with captopril, 20㎎/day. In April 1994, he felt general weakness and
dizziness, when his blood cell count showed pancytopenia with hemoglobin 6.7g/dL,
WBC 2.4×10⁹/L(seg 26%), platelet 8×10⁹/L, and with low
corrected reticulocyte count(0.13%). Bone marrow biopsy revealed marked hypocellularity.
So he was diagnosed as severe aplastic anemia by the criteria of International Aplastic
Anemia Study Group(1979). He was treated with oxymetholone 150㎎/day and
prednisolone 30㎎/day, and was transfused with random platelet concentrates and packed RBCs.

Keywords: Captopril, Aplastic anemia