Gingival Enlargement in Antihypertensive Medication

Introduction: Drug-induced gingival enlargement is a well documented side effect with the use of phenytoin, cyclosporine and calcium channel blockers. The prevalence of gingival enlargement induced by calcium channel blockers is uncertain. Several studies show confl icting results ranging from 20% to 83%. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gingival enlargement in patients taking antihypertensive medication. Methods: All consecutive patients on antihypertensive agents attending the Dental OPD were studied. The prevalence of drug induced gingival enlargement was determined. The periodontal condition of all subjects were assessed including plaque index and probing depth. Results: Total 81.2% of subjects taking antihypertensive were seen to have signifi cant enlargement. Among them 71.1% were taking calcium channel blocker, 21.5% were taking ACE Inhibitors, and 7.4% were taking β- blockers. Conclusions:Patients taking antihypertensive agents are at increased risk for gingival enlargement and infl ammation is an important cofactor for the expression of this effect. Key Words: anti-hypertensive drugs, gingival enlargemen