Check your blood pressure medication after Health Canada announces recall

Midodrine tablets (left) for low blood pressure and MAR-Amlodipine tablets (right) for high blood pressure are seen in this composite photo. (Health Canada)

A blood pressure medication mix-up has led to a nationwide recall.

According to Health Canada, two lots of MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg tablets are being recalled as some bottles may contain the wrong drug.

MAR-Amlodipine is typically used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. Health Canada says manufacturer Marcan Pharmaceuticals Inc. inadvertently put medication to treat low pressure in some MAR-Amlodipine bottles.

Finding out if you’ve been given the wrong medication is simple. The correct MAR-Amlodipine tablets have eight sides, are white to off-white and have the numbers “210” and “5” printed on them.

Midodrine 2.5 mg tablets, which were mistakenly put in the bottles, are round in shape and are marked with “M2.”

If you have high blood pressure, Health Canada warns that unintentionally taking midodrine could lead to serious side effects such as a dangerous increase in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting and even organ damage.

If your bottle of MAR-Amlodipine contains any round or unusual tablets, do not take them and return them to your pharmacy.

If you accidentally took the wrong medication, see a health-care professional or call 911 if you feel dizzy, have unusually high blood pressure or a slow heartbeat. Also seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing chest pain, a sudden headache, impaired speech or are unable to move or feel part of your body.