Gingival hyperplasia is an effect associated with which anti-seizure drug?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-B)

Explanation

Phenytoin is an anti-seizure medication known to cause gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue) as a characteristic side effect.
This adverse effect is common, occurring in about 20% of patients, with a higher incidence in younger individuals.
The underlying mechanism involves the stimulation of gingival fibroblasts by phenytoin, leading to excessive collagen production and tissue overgrowth.
Meticulous oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is the most effective way to prevent or minimize the severity of this condition.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Valproate is not associated with gingival hyperplasia.
Option B: Phenobarbitone, a barbiturate, does not cause gingival hyperplasia.
Option C: Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is not associated with gingival hyperplasia.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing Adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs in acute care settings.
Nurses have a critical role in educating patients taking phenytoin about the absolute necessity of meticulous oral hygiene (e.g., consistent brushing and flossing) to prevent or minimize gum overgrowth.
Patients should be advised to schedule regular dental check-ups and inform their dentist they are on phenytoin therapy.
What if? If a patient on phenytoin develops severe gingival hyperplasia that interferes with eating or oral hygiene, the nurse should anticipate a potential medication change by the prescriber and the possible need for a surgical consultation (gingivectomy).

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of pharmacology.
First, identify the key clinical term in the question stem: 'Gingival hyperplasia'.
Next, review the options provided, which are all anti-seizure or CNS-acting drugs.
Systematically recall the specific, classic side effect profiles for each medication.
Directly associate 'gingival hyperplasia' with Phenytoin, as this is a well-known and frequently tested adverse effect.
Confirm your choice by eliminating the other options based on their primary side effects (e.g., Valproate is linked to liver/pancreas issues; Phenobarbitone and Diazepam are linked to sedation).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs
Stem keywords: Gingival hyperplasia, anti-seizure drug
Lead-in keywords: associated with

Question ID

QTP9gyi9fGLV5znIw3txcf

Reference Book

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 77-79

E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 153-155

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 10729-10731

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