Depletes Folic Acid. This medication is commonly used for Hypertension
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), particularly nifedipine, can cause gum tissue overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia) in both men and women. Studies suggest a dose-dependent link with CCBs potentially doubling the risk. Studies also confirm a link between CCB use (like amlodipine and nifedipine) and gingival hyperplasia, even beyond factors like poor hygiene. Research suggests impaired folate uptake in gum tissue might be another key contributor. Supplementation with folate to help protect against CCB-induced hyperplasia may be beneficial.
Brown RS, Sein P, Corio R, Bottomley WK. Nitrendipine-induced gingival hyperplasia. First case report. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1990 Nov;70(5):593-6. Damdoum M, Varma SR, Nambiar M, Venugopal A. Calcium Channel Blockers Induced Gingival Overgrowth: A Comprehensive Review from a Dental Perspective. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 2022 Jun 29;12(3):309-322. Joshi S, Bansal S. A rare case report of amlodipine-induced gingival enlargement and review of its pathogenesis. Case Rep Dent. 2013;2013:138248. Lawrence DB, Weart CW, Laro JJ, Neville BW. Calcium channel blocker-induced gingival hyperplasia: case report and review of this iatrogenic disease. J Fam Pract. 1994 Nov;39(5):483-8. Livada R, Shiloah J. Calcium channel blocker-induced gingival enlargement. J Hum Hypertens. 2014 Jan;28(1):10-4. Madi M, Shetty SR, Babu SG, Achalli S. Amlodipine-induced Gingival Hyperplasia - A Case Report and Review. West Indian Med J. 2015 Jun;64(3):279-82.
Folate (.2mg as L-5-Methylfolate) — 0.34 DFE