§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he has taken to ensure that diuretic tablets which are prone to side effects because of their potassium formulation, and are still in stock at pharmacies after new supplies have been withdrawn, are not prescribed.
§ Mr. MoyleMy hon. Friend no doubt refers to two enteric coated potassium chloride tablets, Salupres and Hydrosaluric K. The enteric coating of these preparations has been reported to be a cause of small bowel ulceration and stenosis in some patients. Following discussions with the Committee on Safety of Medicines, the manufacturers informed the committee that they proposed to withdraw the products from the market. I am informed that the company is writing564W today to all wholesalers and to hospital and retail pharmacists to ask them to return any stocks which they hold.