Amlodipine
Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine)
Brand names: Norvasc
Oral health effects
Gingival overgrowth
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are a recognized cause of gingival enlargement, usually beginning at the interdental papillae.
Mechanism: Altered calcium flux in gingival fibroblasts with reduced collagen degradation; plaque acts as a co-factor.
Clinical management: Optimize plaque control and recall frequency; discuss substitution with the physician for significant cases; surgical reduction if persistent.
Sources
- Calcium channel blocker-induced gingival enlargement. Livada R, Shiloah J. Journal of human hypertension, 2014.
- Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth-Molecular Aspects of Drug Actions. Droździk A, Droździk M. International journal of molecular sciences, 2023.
- Is dental plaque the only etiological factor in Amlodipine induced gingival overgrowth? A systematic review of evidence. Gaur S, Agnihotri R. Journal of clinical and experimental dentistry, 2018.