For a patient who presents with signs of gingival overgrowth, which medication should be considered?

• A. Amoxicillin
• B. Metformin
• C. Nifedipine
• D. Paroxetine

Answer: (C)

Gingival overgrowth is a condition characterized by an excessive growth of gum tissue. One well-known class of medications associated with this condition is calcium channel blockers, particularly nifedipine. This medication is commonly used to treat hypertension and angina and is notorious for its side effects, including gingival hyperplasia.

Nifedipine promotes gingival overgrowth because it can affect the vascular smooth muscle and gingival fibroblasts, leading to an increase in the production of extracellular matrix components, which contributes to the thickening of gum tissue. In patients who are already predisposed, such as those with poor oral hygiene, this effect can be pronounced. Therefore, in a scenario where a patient presents with signs of gingival overgrowth, nifedipine is the medication that should be considered, as it directly correlates with the condition.

Amoxicillin, a common antibiotic, is not associated with gingival overgrowth. Metformin, primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes, has no known link to this oral condition. Paroxetine, an antidepressant, may lead to other side effects but is not known to cause gingival overgrowth. Thus, nifedipine stands out as the relevant choice in the context of this clinical