Amlodipine-induced Gingival Enlargement

Volume 3, Jul 2014

Kritika Jangid, BDS, Jaiganesh Ramamoorthy, MDS, N.D. Jayakumar, MDS Chennai, India

Background: Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, used as an antihypertensive drug has been uncommonly associated with gingival enlargement. It is a serious concern for both the patient and the clinician because of the unesthetic appearance, formation of ecological niches for periodontopathic bacteria, and in severe cases cause difficulty in mastication. Drug-induced gingival hyperplasia is more commonly associated with nifedipine, which is also a calcium channel blocker. Although amlodipine is relatively a safe drug of choice and is also a gold standard for the management of hypertension, this case report intends to make the practitioners aware of this side effect of amlodipine and choose for an alternative drug when needed. (J Clin Prev Cardiol. 2014;3(3):99-101)

Keywords: amlodipine; calcium channel blockers; gingival enlargement; gingival hyperplasia.

Volume 3, Number 3, Pages: 99-101