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Felodipine-induced gingival hyperplasia
P C Young1, G W Turiansky, P Sau
1Dermatology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC., USA.
Cutis
|July 24, 1998
Summary
Felodipine, a calcium channel blocker for hypertension, can cause gingival hyperplasia. This gum overgrowth resolved after discontinuing the medication, highlighting a potential adverse drug effect.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oral Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- Felodipine is a widely prescribed dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.
- It is indicated for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris.
- Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is a known, albeit uncommon, side effect of certain medications.
Observation:
- A case study involving a patient with chronic felodipine use is presented.
- The patient developed significant gingival hyperplasia.
- Gingival changes were temporally associated with felodipine initiation.
Findings:
- Gingival hyperplasia in this patient improved markedly after felodipine was discontinued.
- This suggests a direct causal link between felodipine and the observed gingival overgrowth.
- The review covers clinical presentation, potential causes, and management strategies for drug-induced gingival hyperplasia.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for felodipine to induce gingival hyperplasia.
- Early recognition and discontinuation of the offending drug may lead to resolution.
- Further research into the pathogenetic mechanisms of drug-induced gingival overgrowth is warranted.