Phenobarbital-induced gingival hyperplasia
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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

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Published on: February 17, 2023
Ardeshir Lafzi1, Ramin Mostofi Zadeh Farahani, Mohammad Ali Mohajjel Shoja
1Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. ardeshir.lafzi@gmail.com
Aim:
The aim of this article is to present a case of a phenobarbital-induced gingival hyperplasia (GH), discuss possible etiological mechanisms of drug-induced GH, and to present a concise review of the literature.
Background:
GH is a well-known complication associated with anticonvulsant phenytoin, antihypertensive calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressant cyclosporine therapy. Sodium valproate and primidone has very rarely been found to cause GH.
Report:
An extremely rare case of phenobarbital-induced GH in a 28-year-old male patient who had received this drug for three years is presented. The histological examination of the lesion revealed a hyperplastic epithelium, epithelial acanthosis, and elongated rete ridges as well as obviously enhanced dense collagenous fibers and proliferation of fibroblasts.
Summary:
Phenobarbital-induced GH is a rare clinical entity which necessitates meticulous evaluation. However, it seems to show a benign behavior with reference to recurrence after surgical excision.
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