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Calcium channel blocker induced gingival overgrowth
L Michael Prisant1, Wayne Herman
1Department of Medicine, Section of Hypertension & Clinical Pharmacology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA.
Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.)
|July 31, 2002
Summary
Certain medications like calcium antagonists can cause gingival overgrowth, a painful condition affecting up to 38% of users. Good oral hygiene is essential, and some individuals may need surgical intervention for this side effect.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gingival overgrowth is a known side effect of certain medications.
- Commonly implicated drugs include phenytoin, cyclosporin, and calcium antagonists.
- This condition can lead to significant aesthetic and functional problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the occurrence and characteristics of drug-induced gingival overgrowth.
- To highlight the prevalence of gingival overgrowth associated with calcium antagonist use.
- To identify risk factors and management strategies for gingival overgrowth.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on drug-induced gingival overgrowth.
- Analysis of prevalence data for different drug classes.
- Examination of demographic factors influencing overgrowth incidence.
Main Results:
- Calcium antagonists are associated with a high prevalence of gingival overgrowth, potentially up to 38%.
- Nifedipine may cause overgrowth more frequently than other calcium channel blockers.
- Gingival overgrowth is 3.3 times more common in men than in women.
Conclusions:
- Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is a significant concern, particularly with calcium antagonists.
- Effective plaque control is crucial for managing and preventing this condition.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary for severe cases of gingival overgrowth.