Amlodipine Induced Gingival Enlargement Revisited

Abstract

Gingival enlargement or gingival overgrowth appears from mild to bizarre clinical presentations. It can be due to an umpteen number of causes. Drug induced gingival enlargement is one among them. The three most common categories of drugs causing gingival enlargement are Anticonvulsants, Calcium channel blockers and Immunosuppressant. Calcium channel blockers are one of the most commonly used drugs for the management of cardiovascular disorders and are known for causing gingival over growth as adverse effects. Now a days, a new drug in this family Amlodipine, is being widely used, because of its duration of action. But it is of concern to the dental practitioner that this drug too has a similar effect on gingival tissues. This paper aims at drawing the attention of general medical practitioners, cardiologists and dentists towards the adverse effects of Amlodipine along with providing a brief review of the pharmacologic profile of this drug, its effects on the gingiva and the management of gingival enlargement