Can phenytoin cause gingival hyperplasia?
The incidence rate of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth ranges from 3% to 93%, but 50% of patients on long-term therapy are prone to develop gingival overgrowth.
What is phenytoin-induced gingival enlargement?
Gingival enlargement is a known side effect of phenytoin which is an antiepileptic drug. This can have a significant effect on the quality of life as well as increasing the oral bacterial load by generating plaque retention sites.
Which drug causes gingival hyperplasia?
Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is a side effect associated principally with 3 types of drugs: anticonvulsant (phenytoin), immunosuppressant (cyclosporine A), and various calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem).
How is drug induced gingival hyperplasia treated?
The most effective treatment of drug-related gingival enlargement is withdrawal or substitution of medication. When this treatment approach is taken, it may take from 1 to 8 weeks for resolution of gingival lesions.
Why does phenytoin cause gingival hyperplasia?
Phenytoin has been shown to induce gingival overgrowth by its interaction with a subpopulation of sensitive fibroblasts. Cyclosporine has been suggested to affect the metabolic function of fibroblast (eg, collagen synthesis, breakdown).
What causes gingival hyperplasia?
Gingival hyperplasia can occur as a direct result of inflammation. The inflammation is often caused by plaque buildup on the teeth from food, bacteria, and poor hygiene practices. The inflammation can make the gums tender and red, and it can trigger bleeding.
Which Immunesuppressive medication that commonly induce gingival hyperplasia?
Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant Immunosupressants commonly prescribed to prevent rejection in the case of organ transplants are responsible for over 70% of the cases of drug-induced gingival hyperplasia in children (and between 25 and 30% in adults).
Is drug-induced gingival hyperplasia reversible?
Drug-induced gingival enlargement has a good prognosis and is generally reversible on stopping or substituting the offending drug.
What is adverse effect of phenytoin?
Headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, feeling of spinning, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Phenytoin may cause swelling and bleeding of the gums.
What helps gingival hyperplasia?
What is the treatment for gingival hyperplasia?
- Removal of bacterial plaque by thorough tooth brushing and flossing.
- Antiseptic mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine.
- Ultrasonic treatments.
- Courses of antibiotics to reduce oral bacterial load (e.g. erythromycin or azithromycin)
Can gingival hyperplasia go away on its own?
If left untreated, this oral condition can affect the alignment of your teeth and increase the risk of developing gum disease. Gingival hyperplasia can be resolved by improving oral hygiene habits. In more severe cases, surgical treatment is necessary.
Are there any cases of gingival hyperplasia from phenytoin?
Here, we report a case of a 20-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with gingival hyperplasia due to the prolonged use of phenytoin for 3 months. The patient’s condition was improved after the withdrawal of phenytoin and other antiepileptic drugs were recommended for his treatment.
How are anticonvulsant drugs related to gingival overgrowth?
Conclusion: Different antiepileptic molecules may be related to gingival overgrowth. In addition to phenytoin, also lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, and phenobarbital were associated with increased prevalence of gingival overgrowth.
Are there any side effects to using phenytoin?
Phenytoin is a diphenylhydantoin which is mostly used in the treatment of epilepsies and arrhythmias. Chronic usage of phenytoin leads to a number of undesirable effects. Most of the adverse effects associated with phenytoin are hirsutism, gingival hyperplasia, osteomalacia, cleft lip, and hypoplastic phalanges.
How are myofibroblasts stimulated by phenytoin overgrowth?
Myofibroblasts seem to be stimulated by phenytoin. Other important elements directly responsible for phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth are cytokines. Phenytoin-activated fibroblasts produce large amounts of IL-6, IL-1, and IL-8.