Recent research highlighted that a commonly over-consumed ingredient in many American diets is salt. It would be an oversimplification to say this is why nearly half of Americans are managing high blood pressure, as the CDC notes, but there is almost certainly some correlation between our collective sodium intake and the rising concern around high blood pressure.
If you’re one of the estimated 15 million Americans on metoprolol—which data suggest is the sixth most-prescribed drug with a reported 59.5 million prescriptions dispensed in 2023—you’ll want to know about the latest recall on heart and blood pressure medication that was distributed nationwide.
On May 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a report revealing a quantity of 17,304 bottles of Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release Tablets, USP, 25 milligrams (mg), were voluntarily recalled from the market by the distributor, New Jersey-based Ascend Laboratories. As is common for supply chain origin, the drug was manufactured in India, by Alkem Laboratories.
The FDA listed “failed dissolution failure” as the reason for the recall, which was initiated April 27. Whether this means the extended-release formulation wasn’t efficacious isn’t specified.
The FDA report states the recall affects lot number 25140859 with a January 2027 expiration date.
The Mayo Clinic, which lists Metoprolol as a beta blocker, explains: “Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. This lowers blood pressure. Beta blockers also help widen veins and arteries to improve blood flow.” Mayo experts add that beta blockers may be indicated for heart failure, chest pain, arrhythmia, migraine headaches, and some types of tremors.
This happens to be the second blood pressure and heart medication announced in an FDA enforcement report this week, following an event for a significantly smaller number of Enalapril Maleate tablets.
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