Which medication is known to cause gingival hyperplasia?

Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker commonly used to treat hypertension and angina, is recognized for its potential side effect of causing gingival hyperplasia. This condition involves the overgrowth of gum tissue, which can lead to aesthetic concerns and difficulties in oral hygiene, making patients more susceptible to periodontal issues.

The mechanism behind nifedipine-induced gingival hyperplasia is believed to involve alterations in the gingival fibroblast activity and extracellular matrix production, leading to an abnormal accumulation of gum tissue. This side effect is most notably seen with medications in the calcium channel blocker class, particularly when they are used over long periods.

In contrast, amoxicillin and ibuprofen are not typically associated with gingival hyperplasia; amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, and ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation and pain. Aspirin, while it may have some effects on bleeding and inflammation, does not cause gingival overgrowth as a significant side effect either. Thus, among the options presented, nifedipine stands out as the medication most commonly linked to this particular oral condition.