FDA Announces 2 Recalls of Potassium Chloride Drugs Across US

Announcements posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website announced the recall of two potassium prescription medications due to the “failed dissolution” of both products. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals said that the recall impacts 114 batches of 750 mg potassium chloride extended-release capsules, which are prescription-only, because the capsules “may cause high potassium levels,” known as hyperkalemia. The condition can cause an irregular heartbeat that can “lead to cardiac arrest,” the notice warned. A second company, American Health Packaging on behalf of BluePoint Laboratories, announced a recall of 21 batches of 750 mg potassium chloride extended-release prescription capsules for the same reason. “For patients who require chronic use of potassium chloride extended-release oral capsules, especially in those patients with underlying comorbidities or conditions that cause altered excretory mechanisms for potassium such as hypertension, heart failure, or renal dysfunction, there is a reasonable probability of developing hyperkalemia,” the notice stated....