Prevalence of Amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Administration of certain drugs such as anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers leads to well-known sequalae of gingival enlargement. Apart from esthetic consequences, gingival enlargement also hinders proper oral hygiene and may be painful for the patient. Determination of primary etiology and subsequent treatment for the same is pre-requisite in the management of gingival enlargement. Therefore, this study was intended to determine the prevalence of gingival enlargement in patients under amlodipine therapy in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out after ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference No.: 242/23), in the Department of Internal Medicine and in the Department of Periodontology, Dhulikhel Hospital. The study period was
from December, 2023 – May, 2024. Patients under amlodipine therapy for at least six months were assessed. Purposive sampling was done with a total sample size of 450. The prevalence of gingival enlargement along with dosage and duration of drug intake was calculated.

Results: Out of 450 participants, drug induced gingival enlargement was seen in 129 (28.70%). Furthermore, among 129 patients, grade 1 gingival enlargement was more prevalent (n=93, 20.70%) while grade 3 gingival enlargement was only seen in 6 (0.90%) of the participants. The dosage and duration of drug intake by patient were also calculated.

Conclusions: Gingival enlargement could be the potential side effect associated with amlodipine usage. It was found to be prevalent in patients under amlodipine therapy. The patients should be well-informed about the consequence, by the treating physician, prior to initiation of amlodipine therapy. Proper oral hygiene measures should be reinforced in such patients from the beginning.