Blood pressure medication urgently recalled over cardiac arrest risk

Blood pressure medication is recalled by manufacturers over concerns the capsules won't dissolve properly when ingested by patients.

A voluntary recall of 114 batches of 750 mg Potassium Chloride in bottles containing 100 and 500 pills has been initiated by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. The full set of batch numbers and expiration dates are on a list circulated by the FDA. Similarly, American Health Packaging voluntarily recalled 21 batches of the same medicine from BluePoint Laboratories.

According to a company announcement, the failed dissolution of the potassium chloride extended-release capsules could cause high potassium levels in the blood, also known as hyperkalemia - a condition that "causes an irregular heartbeat that can lead to cardiac arrest".

Read more: Ice cream recalled over risks metal bits be lingering in the sweet treats, FDA warns

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Patients who are on this medication to manage blood pressure and prevent heart or kidney failure are at high risk of developing hyperkalemia. Those who are prescribed these particular recalled batches could experience a range of hyperkalemia symptoms, including "cardiac arrhythmias, severe muscle weakness, and death."

So far, Glenmark hasn't yet received reports of hyperkalemia or any of the described adverse events. However, these pills are already in retail outlets across the US - causing the pharmaceutical company to tell customers to take the products off the shelves

People who have been prescribed this medicine are urged to consult with their doctor before they stop taking it. Additionally, the company recommends consumers call their doctor or healthcare provider if they experience the beginnings of any hyperkalemia symptoms.

The FDA is urging people to report adverse events to its MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax. It comes as the FDA has issued a product recall warning consumers that chocolate confectionary items potentially contaminated with salmonella are currently on sale across the country.

The food poisoning warning concerns products which have been distributed nationwide across nine states originally produced by Wisconsin-based Clasen Quality Chocolate Inc. (CQC), the agency said.

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The FDA has classified the candy at the Class II risk level, this means they may cause adverse health consequences if eaten by consumers. The product recall was first issued on May 3 this year due to potential salmonella contamination, with an updated classification issued on June 18.

A class II recall means that use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, with the probability of serious outcomes being remote, according to the FDA. The warning relates to affected products which were distributed throughout nine states: California, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah and Washington.