Nifedipine
Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine)
Brand names: Procardia, Adalat
Oral health effects
Gingival overgrowth
The calcium channel blocker most classically associated with gingival overgrowth; prevalence is higher than with amlodipine.
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.