Drug-Induced Gingival Hyperplasia in a Hypertensive Patient: A Case Report

Hypertension is one of the most notorious non-communicable diseases the medical fraternity is dealing with in this decade. A wide array of medications have been included in the treatment regimen, one of which is calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine is commonly administered from this class. The reports of adverse drug reactions to the intake of amlodipine are very scarce to date. Association of gingival hyperplasia with the administration of this drug is rare and is what we have reported in this case. The theory that is being put forward for this adverse reaction is that the gingival fibroblasts are induced via the proliferative signaling pathways in association with the formation of bacterial plaques. Several classes of drugs other than calcium channel blockers are known to cause this reaction. Anti-epileptics along with anti-psychotic drugs are comparatively more prevalent. Thorough scaling and root planing are used to identify and treat amlodipine-induced gingival hypertrophy. The cause of gingival expansion is unknown, and there is currently no cure other than surgically removing the enlarged tissue and maintaining better dental hygiene. Immediate stoppage of the causative drug is advised in these cases along with the surgical remodeling of the affected gingiva.