Drugs that cause Oral Lichen Planus

Oral Lichen Planus means Lichen Planus of the mouth and the oral cavity.

Oral Lichen Planus is a chronic, inflammatory condition which is non infectious in nature. It affects the mucous membrane of the mouth, tongue, inner side of the cheeks, gums and palate.

Oral Lichen Planus is a very painful condition. There are number of causes of development of Oral Lichen Planus. They are already discussed on this website elsewhere. In this blog, I will talk on drugs responsible for causing the Oral Lichen Planus in a patient.

Drugs that cause the development of Oral Lichen Planus: There are number of drugs which cause the formation of Oral Lichen Planus in a patient. They are listed below.

• Use of anti-malarials like Qunidine.
• Certain cardiac drugs like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors.
• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen.
• Drugs like Thalidomide, Griseofulvin, Sulfonylureas and Dapsone etc. can cause Oral Lichen Planus on long term ingestion.

What should be done if it is found that your Oral Lichen Planus is induced by drug which you are taking?

In such a case,it is important for you to discuss with your physician confirming that the medicine you are taking is contributing to your Lichen Planus. After that, your doctor would help you to give you alternative medicines, which would be safe for you. Some times, it may so happen that your physician may not be aware about the adverse effects of every medicine, as Lichen planus is not that common a disease. He can advise change of drugs in such patients.

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