Amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth: considerations in a geriatric patient

Is dental plaque the only etiological factor in Amlodipine induced gingival overgrowth? A systematic review of evidence

BACKGROUND

Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) is commonly prescribed for cardiovascular conditions. Its administration may produce an uncommon adverse oral manifestation, the gingival overgrowth (GO). Lately, there has been an increase in the rate of GO in patients on amlodipine therapy. The current systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the evidence on plausible risk factors involved in amlodipine induced gingival overgrowth (AIGO).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Literature search was conducted in the databases like Pubmed (Medline), Scopus and Google Scholar to include the original research articles related to etio-pathogenesis of AIGO.

RESULTS

About 270 documents were identified through primary search, of which 13 original research articles were included. Most common risk factor for AIGO was administration of amlodipine in subjects with poor plaque control. However, high dosage of drug, duration of therapy and inherent genetic susceptibility were recognized as other plausible risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that AIGO is no longer a rare phenomenon. It is therefore imperative for the physician to identify and inform patients, about the risk factors associated with the overgrowth at the initiation of therapy. This would prevent the development of GO's and improve the patient's quality of life. Key words:Amlodipine, calcium channel blockers, gingival overgrowth, hypertension.

Gingival Enlargement Induced by Felodipine Resolves with a Conventional Periodontal Treatment and Drug Modification

We present a case of a 47-year-old male who suffered from GE around his lower anterior teeth as soon as he started treatment with Felodipine 400 mg. We show that oral hygiene measures, antibiotics, and conventional periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing SRP) were all not sufficient to resolve the drug induced GE, which will persist and/or recur provided that systemic effect of the offending medication is still present. The condition immediately resolved after switching to a different medication. The mechanism of GE is complex and not fully understood yet. It is mainly due to overexpression of a number of growth factors due to high concentrations of calcium ions (Ca²⁺). This affects fibroblasts proliferation and DNA synthesis and leads to a heavy chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate. Our case was managed according to the suggested protocols in previous case studies. The unique features in our case were the immediate onset of the adverse effect after starting the medication and the absence of any underlying medical condition apart from high blood pressure. Improving the oral hygiene together with SRP and cessation of the medication resolves drug induced GE.

Gingival Hypertrophy Associated with Amlodipine Use in an HIV-Infected Woman

Objective:

To report the case of a 46-year-old woman with HIV infection who developed gingival hypertrophy while taking amlodipine for hypertension and review the literature discussing gingival hypertrophy associated with amlodipine and other calcium channel blockers.

Case Summary:

A 46-year-old HIV-infected female was taking amlodipine 5 mg daily to manage hypertension. After 4 1/2 years of exposure to amlodipine, the patient presented with new-onset gingival hypertrophy. Concurrent medications included atazanavir, ritonavir, tenofovir/emtricitabine, a multivitamin, and ibuprofen and tramadol as needed. Amlodipine was discontinued and lisinopril was initiated to manage hypertension. Resolution of gingival hypertrophy was noted at 3- and 12-month follow-up visits.

Discussion:

Drug-induced gingival hypertrophy has been associated with anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers. Cases of gingival hypertrophy are uncommon, especially after such extended exposure. The Naranjo probability scale classified the reaction as probable. Discontinuation of amlodipine led to resolution of gingival hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

Patients with new-onset gingival hypertrophy should have a complete medication review to identify potential causative agents. Development of gingival hypertrophy may present acutely or with extended exposure. Resolution of gingival hypertrophy generally occurs with discontinuation of the inciting agent.