SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-A Peculiar Side Effect From a Common Medication: Nifedipine-Induced Gingival Hyperplasia

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This case report describes nifedipine-induced gingival hyperplasia, an uncommon but recognized adverse effect of a widely used calcium channel blocker. Gingival hyperplasia is the excessive enlargement of gum tissue and may result from genetic, autoimmune, neoplastic, or drug-related causes.<br /><br />A 31-year-old man with hypertension, prior ischemic lacunar stroke, and alcohol use disorder developed a 6-month history of progressive gingival enlargement. He had previously been switched from amlodipine to nifedipine for blood pressure control, and the nifedipine dose had been increased from 60 mg to 90 mg daily six months before presentation. Examination showed non-tender, nodular gingival overgrowth, most prominent along the maxillary alveolar ridges. He had no systemic symptoms suggesting malignancy or infection.<br /><br />Workup for secondary hypertension was largely unrevealing aside from elevated renin; aldosterone, aldosterone-renin ratio, thyroid studies, and renal artery Doppler were normal. Nifedipine was discontinued, and the patient was advised to monitor blood pressure at home. At 1 month and again at 4 months after stopping nifedipine, his gingival hyperplasia had markedly regressed, while blood pressure remained controlled.<br /><br />The discussion notes that nifedipine has been associated with gingival overgrowth, with higher risk related to longer exposure, though it may appear within months of treatment. The exact mechanism is unclear, but altered calcium influx may disrupt collagen metabolism and contribute to tissue overgrowth. Unlike some prior cases requiring periodontal treatment, this patient experienced near-complete reversal after drug withdrawal alone.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that clinicians should be alert to gingival adverse effects from calcium channel blockers, especially in patients with poor oral hygiene, and that regular dental surveillance may allow earlier recognition and better outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Ahmed Qaedi

Meta Tag

Author List Ahmed Qaedi, Allison Estep, Melanie Montgomery

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Gingival Hyperplasia

Concept Dihydropyridine Calcium-Channel Blocker

Concept Drug-Induced Cause

Concept Calcium Channel Blockers

Concept Nodular Gingival Enlargement

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Alabama at Birmingham, Huntsville Regional Medical Campus

Presenting Author Ahmed Qaedi

Track Adult

Keywords

nifedipine

gingival hyperplasia

calcium channel blocker

drug-induced adverse effect

gingival overgrowth

hypertension

amlodipine

oral health

periodontal surveillance

case report

Gingival Hyperplasia

Dihydropyridine Calcium-Channel Blocker

Drug-Induced Cause

Calcium Channel Blockers

Nodular Gingival Enlargement