Published: 3 March 2016

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Amlodipine and Gingival Hyperplasia

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Prescriber Update 37(1): 11-12
March 2016

The Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) has received three reports of gingival hyperplasia (gum enlargement) associated with the use of amlodipine. In one case, the patient was switched to another antihypertensive agent after 15 months due to progressive gingival hyperplasia.

Gingival hyperplasia is a known adverse reaction associated with several calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine1. It is also associated with other medicines, including ciclosporin and some anticonvulsants2,3.

Management of gingival hyperplasia includes good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations to monitor whether the hyperplasia is progressive4. If medicine-induced gingival hyperplasia is intolerable or progressive, the patient should consult their doctor about suitable alternatives.

Healthcare professionals are reminded to report any suspected adverse reactions to medicines to CARM (https://nzphvc.otago.ac.nz/).

References
  1. Pfizer New Zealand Ltd. 2014. Norvasc Data Sheet. 8 October 2014. URL: www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/n/Norvasctab.pdf (accessed 12 January 2016).
  2. Novartis New Zealand Limited. 2014. Neoral Data Sheet. 29 October 2014. URL: www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/n/Neoralsolcap.pdf (accessed 12 January 2016).
  3. Pfizer New Zealand Ltd. 2013. Dilantin Data Sheet. 29 May 2013. URL: www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/d/Dilantincapsusptab.pdf (accessed 12 January 2016).
  4. New Zealand Dental Association. 2016. Your Oral Health: Gum Disease. URL: www.healthysmiles.org.nz/default,284,gum-disease.sm (accessed 12 January 2016).
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