Amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth in a patient with hypertension

Abstract

Amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth (AIGO) is characterized by an increase in the volume of connective tissue matrix in the gingiva. Amlodipine is one of the commonly prescribed antihypertensive drugs, and gingival hyperplasia is one overlooked side effect in patients taking amlodipine. Many factors can contribute to the development of gingival overgrowth, including: plaque control; periodontal variables; medications and their relative dose; age; sex; and, genetic factors. Currently, more than 20 prescription medications are associated with gingival enlargement. Drugs associated with gingival overgrowth can be broadly divided into three categories: Anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressant. In the present case, a 66 year old male patient who presented with gingival overgrowth and was found taking Amlodipine for 20 year.