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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 29 No. 6 2006

Drugs and bleeding from the gums

Most bleeding gums are not caused by medicines. The bleeding is usually caused by dental problems. Regular cleaning and dental checkups can help to prevent bleeding gums.

Some medicines can increase the risk of bleeding from the gums. This bleeding is associated with phenytoin for epilepsy, nifedipine for high blood pressure or angina, and cyclosporin which affects the immune system.

Patients taking medicines which thin the blood, such as warfarin, may get bleeding. This can occur when they take a medicine which interacts with warfarin.