How Much Does Blood Pressure Medication Cost Without Insurance in 2023?

Blood pressure medications help people with high blood pressure (HBP) regulate their condition. With and without insurance, the cost of prescription medications can be expensive. Our research shows that the average price for 30 tablets of a typical dose of blood pressure medication costs $329.03. This may differ depending on the type of medication you are prescribed and whether or not it is brand-name. 

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Cost of Blood Pressure Medication

Blood pressure medication is used to help those with HBP. There are several different kinds of drugs you may be prescribed by your doctor, depending on previous treatment techniques used and the severity of your condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most popular hypertensives prescribed are:

• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers
• ACE Inhibitors
• Calcium Channel Blockers 
• Angiotensin II Receptors Blockers
• Renin Inhibitors 

We found that the average cost of blood pressure medication is $329.03 for 30 tablets of a typical dosage. The price of these may differ depending on what specific kind of medication your doctor prescribes you and if it is generic or brand-name. While cost may play a factor, make sure to listen to your doctor and take the medication that is best suited for your lifestyle. 

Diuretics

Diuretics are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for HBP. They are sometimes referred to as water pills since they help remove water from your bloodstream. There are three different types of diuretics: loop, potassium-sparing, and thiazide. Each affects another part of the kidneys. This is a generally safe medication and is often the first line of defense against HBP. 

We collected cost information about three common diuretic medications. The average cost for 30 capsules of a recommended dosage of brand-name diuretics is $177.28 without insurance. However, an easy way to cut costs is to take the generic version of your prescription. The average price of generic diuretics at the same dosage is $139.09 without insurance. The cheapest medication we found was hydrochlorothiazide, the generic version of Microzide, a thiazide diuretic. 

Average Cost of Common Diuretic Medications Without Insurance

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are another type of medication used for hypertension. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline in the body, which causes the heart to beat slower. In addition, they may also improve blood flow by widening the arteries. A doctor will determine whether to prescribe you a beta-blocker that only affects the heart or one that affects the heart and arteries. 

After looking at three common beta-blockers prescribed to people with HBP, we determined that the average cost for 30 tablets of brand-name medication is $275.29. This cost is without insurance or prescription discounts. On the other hand, the same dosage of generic beta-blockers averages $43.95. The cheapest medication we found was metoprolol, the generic version of Lopressor. 

Average Cost of Common Beta-Blocker Medications Without Insurance

ACE Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, another HBP medication, help to relax your veins and arteries to decrease blood flow. They prevent the body from producing angiotensin II, an enzyme that narrows the blood vessels. There are several ACE inhibitors, and your overall health will determine the best medication for you. 

We chose three popular ACE inhibitor medications to provide a reasonable cost estimate. Without insurance, the average cost of 30 tablets of brand-name medication is $458.89. Luckily, there are generic versions available, which can help you save money. For the same dosage, the average cost of generic ACE inhibitor medications is around $24.43. The most affordable medication we found was lisinopril, a generic version of Prinivil.

Average Cost of Common ACE Inhibitor Medications Without Insurance

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers, sometimes called calcium agonists, are commonly prescribed medication to reduce high blood pressure. Calcium allows the heart and arteries to contract stronger, so these medications prevent it from entering our cells. As a result, our blood vessels remain open, promoting blood flow. There are two types of calcium channel blockers: short-acting and long-acting. 

We chose two popular long-acting medications and one short-acting medication to give you a better idea of the cost of calcium channel blockers. For 30 tablets of a typical dosage, the average cost of calcium channel blockers is $465.02 without insurance. The generic version is much cheaper, averaging $34.61 for the same dosage. The most affordable option we found was diltiazem ER (extended-release), the generic version of Cardizem. 

Average Cost of Common Calcium Channel Blocker Medications Without Insurance

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Angiotensin II receptor blockers work similarly to ACE inhibitors. They block angiotensin II, an enzyme, from entering the bloodstream so that your veins and arteries can widen and allow for better blood flow. Many medications are available, and your doctor will determine which is best for you based on your current health status. 

We chose three popular prescribed drugs to provide a reasonable cost estimate of angiotensin II receptor blockers. On average, without insurance, the cost of 30 tablets of brand-name angiotensin II receptor blockers is $241.21. This cost can be reduced by switching to the generic version, costing $79.03 for the same dosage. If you are looking for the cheapest option, ask your doctor about losartan, which is the generic counterpart of Cozaar. 

Average Cost of Common Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Medications Without Insurance

Renin Inhibitors

There is currently only one available medication that acts as a renin inhibitor. It slows down the production of renin, a substance in the body produced by the kidneys. It triggers several steps that ultimately lead to an increase in blood pressure. 

We gathered cost information about aliskiren, the only available renin inhibitor medication. On average, its brand name medication costs $356.50 for 30 tablets of a typical dosage. You can save a considerable amount of money by purchasing the generic version, as it only costs $243.88 for the same dosage. 

Average Cost of Renin Inhibitor Medication Without Insurance

Bottom Line 

People with high blood pressure can take various medications to treat their condition. Without insurance, prescription medications can be reasonably expensive. The average blood pressure medication cost is $329.03, but this will vary depending on the type of medication you are prescribed and whether generic or brand-name. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best medicine for you and whether you can switch to a cheaper alternative. 

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