What is amlodipine?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, meaning it reduces the calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells. This causes a cascade of factors such as:

• Selective vasodialation
• A decrease in peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure
• A decrease in coronary vascular resistance
• Increase in coronary blood flow

What is amlodipine used for?

Amlodipine is used to treat patients with hypertension. This means that they have a blood pressure reading of anywhere from 130-139/ 80-89 and up (Stage 1 hypertension). As the #3 most commonly prescribed drug, amlodipine will be seen in a number of patients who have hypertension.

How does amlodipine affect dentistry?

Caclium channel blockers have a slight risk for patients to develop gingival overgrowth. With this in mind, an increase in pocket depth may be seen in these patients. Patients may also find it harder to clean their teeth with gingival overgrowth, causing the buildup of plaque.

References:

Clinical Periodontology; Newman, Takei, Klokkevold, Carranza, 10th Edition, Chapter 23

Anti-Anginal Drugs, MOSDOH 2018, Keith S. Elmslie KCOM

Parameters of Care, Charles D. Fuszner DMD, A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health