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 conflicting 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 significant enlargement. Among them 71.1% were taking calcium channel blocker, 21.5% were taking ACE Inhibitors, and 7.4% were taking beta-blockers. CONCLUSIONS Patients taking antihypertensive agents are at increased risk for gingival enlargement and inflammation is an important cofactor for the expression of this effect.