Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Induction of Periodontitis via a Combination of Ligature and Lipopolysaccharide Injection in a Rat Model
Published on: February 17, 2023
Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Folic acid supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth (PIGO). This finding offers a promising, low-risk intervention for managing this common adverse effect of Phenytoin therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Periodontology
- Medical Adverse Effects
Background:
- Phenytoin therapy commonly causes gingival overgrowth, impacting patient health and appearance.
- Poor oral hygiene exacerbates Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth (PIGO) severity.
- PIGO involves complex interactions of fibroblast biology, inflammation, and genetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of folic acid supplementation in preventing Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth (PIGO).
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth (PIGO) and its management.
- Analysis of the impact of folic acid supplementation on PIGO incidence.
Main Results:
- Folic acid supplementation demonstrates conclusive evidence in significantly decreasing the incidence of PIGO.
- This intervention offers a potential preventative measure against this adverse drug effect.
Conclusions:
- Folic acid supplementation is a highly effective strategy for reducing Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth (PIGO).
- This approach provides a valuable, evidence-based option for patients undergoing Phenytoin therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Food and Drug–Viral Interactions
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Sulfonylureas
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides