Blood Pressure Medications (Antihypertensives)
Multiple drug classes treat hypertension: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and diuretics. Most are available as cheap generics.
How Blood Pressure Medications Work
ACE inhibitors (lisinopril) block the enzyme that narrows blood vessels. ARBs (losartan) block the hormone angiotensin II. Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine) relax blood vessel walls. Beta-blockers (metoprolol) slow heart rate. Diuretics remove excess fluid. Most patients need 2-3 medications combined.
Blood Pressure Medications (Antihypertensives) — Ranked by Cost Per Claim (Cheapest First)
| # | Drug | Generic Name | Cost/Claim | Generic? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lisinopril | Lisinopril | $6.00 | Yes |
| 2 | Metoprolol | Metoprolol Succinate | $6.00 | Yes |
| 3 | Amlodipine | Amlodipine Besylate | $6.00 | Yes |
| 4 | Losartan | Losartan Potassium | $9.00 | Yes |
| 5 | Edarbi | Azilsartan | $144.00 | Yes |
Potential Savings
Almost every first-line blood pressure drug is available as a generic under $10/month. Brand-name ARBs like Edarbi ($144/claim) offer no proven benefit over generic losartan ($9/claim).
First-line generic: lisinopril at $6.00/claim. Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for you.
Key Facts
- 1.Nearly half of US adults (119M) have hypertension — the most common chronic condition
- 2.Generic ACE inhibitors and ARBs cost $4-15 per 30-day supply at most pharmacies
- 3.The most expensive brand-name BP drugs cost 15-25x their generic equivalents
- 4.Blood pressure medication is one of the few classes where generics dominate completely
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest option is Lisinopril (generic Prinivil/Zestril) at $6 per claim. Almost every first-line blood pressure drug is available as a generic under $10/month. Brand-name ARBs like Edarbi ($144/claim) offer no proven benefit over generic losartan ($9/claim).
ACE inhibitors (lisinopril) block the enzyme that narrows blood vessels. ARBs (losartan) block the hormone angiotensin II. Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine) relax blood vessel walls. Beta-blockers (metoprolol) slow heart rate. Diuretics remove excess fluid. Most patients need 2-3 medications combined.
All spending data comes from the CMS Medicare Part D Drug Spending Dashboard. Patent and generic information comes from the FDA Orange Book. Prices shown are average cost per 30-day supply claim under Medicare Part D.