¹UNIVERSITy Of NIš, fACULTy Of MEDICINE, DEpARTMENT Of pERIODONTOLOGy AND ORAL MEDICINE;
²UNIVERSITy Of NIš, fACULTy Of MEDICINE, INSTITUTE Of pATHOLOGy;
³CLINIC OF DENTIsTRy, NIŠ, sERBIA

Introduction.  Gingival overgrowth induced by diphenylhydantion (Dilantin) has been well documented in the literature. Recently, there have been other medications with side effects causing Dilantin-like gingival overgrowth.
Aim. Nifedipine, the calcium-blocker, is used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to its inhibitory effect on calcium ions that reach the heart muscle cells and blood vessels. In some cases, the gingival bissue overgrouth can occur as a side effect of the drug. This article presents a case in which nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocker, induced gingival overgrowth.
Discussion. In the literature there are data that show the similarities in the changes cause by difenilhidantoin and nifedipine. A discussion on the clinical and histological features and possible pathogenesis of the disorder is presented. Although the exat mechanism of gingival hyperplasia is not yot known, it has been confirmed that with an interruption of taking nifedipine, there was regression of hyperplastic gingiva.
Conclusion. It can be concluded that gingival overgrowth occurus in patients with nifedipine therapy

Key words: gingiva, drugs, gingival enlargement