Amlodipine Induced Gum Hypertrophy – A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Background: DIGO or drug-induced gingival overgrowth occurs as a side effect of certain drugs. Until now, the etiology of drug-induced gingival overgrowth is not clearly understood. Among the calcium channel blockers, nifedipine has been shown to be most frequently associated with drug-induced gingival hyperplasia. Amlodipine is a comparatively newer calcium channel blocker that witha longer duration of action and lesser side effects as compared to nifedipine. There are only certain case reports of amlodipine-induced gum hyperplasia. Case presentation: We report a case of amlodipine-induced gum hyperplasia in a 66-year-old hypertensive patient taking amlodipine at a dose of 5 mg once a day. There was significant regression of gum hypertrophy after substitution of amlodipine by Losartan. Conclusion: Amlodipine is one of the commonly prescribed antihypertensive drugs, and gingival hyperplasia is one overlooked side effect in patients taking amlodipine. Awareness of this potential side effect of amlodipine may be helpful to reduce the anxiety of patients and the cost of diagnostic procedures.