 Medically reviewed by Austin Ulrich, PharmD
Key Takeaways
- Blood pressure medications work in different ways, from relaxing blood vessels to removing excess salt and water.
- Most high blood pressure treatments have low-cost generic versions that offer the same clinical benefits as brand-name versions.
- You can save up to 85% on your prescription costs by using a Super+ RX coupon at 74,000+ trusted pharmacies.
Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) is a long-term commitment to your heart health. Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach, a healthcare professional may prescribe one or more types of medication to reach your target goal. Understanding these options helps you advocate for both your health and your budget.
Diuretics (Water Pills)
Diuretics are one of the first-line treatment options for hypertension. They help the kidneys remove excess sodium and water from the body, which reduces the total volume of blood flowing through your veins and lowers pressure.
- Chlorthalidone (Thalitone): A long-acting diuretic often preferred for its effectiveness in clinical trials.
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Inzirqo): One of the most commonly prescribed medications for initial hypertension management.
- Furosemide (Lasix): A loop diuretic often used if kidney function is a concern or for managing fluid retention, but not usually a first choice for lowering blood pressure.
| Representative Medication (Generic/Brand) | Est. Average Retail Price | Est. Super+ RX Member Price |
| Chlorthalidone (Generic) Thalitone (Brand) | ~$50.00 – $170.00 ~$200.00 – $250.00 | ~$17.00 – $95.00 ~$95.00 – $125.00 |
| Hydrochlorothiazide (Generic) Inzirqo (Brand) | ~$8.00 – $25.00 ~$700.00 – $800.00 | ~$4.00 – $15.00 ~$360.00 – $390.00 |
| Furosemide (Generic) Lasix (Brand) | ~$35.00 – $80.00 ~$50.00 – $75.00 | ~$10.00 – $40.00 ~$5.00 – $45.00 |
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the body from producing a hormone called angiotensin II. This hormone narrows blood vessels; by blocking it, ACE inhibitors allow blood vessels to relax and open up. ACE inhibitors are recommended as a first-line treatment option for hypertension.
- Lisinopril (Zestril): Widely used for hypertension and often prescribed following a heart attack.
- Enalapril (Vasotec): As with other ACE inhibitors, it can be used to treat both high blood pressure and diabetic kidney disease.
- Benazepril (Lotensin): An option for long-term blood pressure control.
| Representative Medication (Generic/Brand) | Est. Average Retail Price | Est. Super+ RX Member Price |
| Lisinopril (Generic) Zestril (Brand) | ~$15.00 – $30.00 ~$680.00 – $750.00 | ~$9.00 – $16.00 ~$390.00 – $420.00 |
| Enalapril (Generic) Vasotec (Brand) | ~$35.00 – $75.00 ~$1,250.00 – $1,400.00 | ~$20.00 – $30.00 ~$730.00 – $780.00 |
| Benazepril (Generic) Lotensin (Brand) | ~$35.00 – $65.00 ~$250.00 – $350.00 | ~$15.00 – $30.00 ~$170.00 – $210.00 |
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) perform a similar task to ACE inhibitors but through a different mechanism. Instead of stopping the production of angiotensin II, they block the hormone from attaching to receptors on blood vessels. ARBs are considered a first-line option for treating hypertension. Because ACE inhibitors and ARBs work similarly, they should not be taken together because of the higher risk of side effects.
- Losartan (Cozaar): One of the more common ARBs prescribed; similar to ACE inhibitors and other ARBs used to reduce the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart.
- Valsartan (Diovan): As with ACE inhibitors and other ARBs, it can be prescribed for hypertension and heart failure management.
- Olmesartan (Benicar): Known for its potent blood pressure-lowering effects.
| Representative Medication (Generic/Brand) | Est. Average Retail Price | Est. Super+ RX Member Price |
| Losartan (Generic) Cozaar (Brand) | ~$15.00 – $45.00 ~$180.00 – $230.00 | ~$9.00 – $19.00 ~$90.00 – $110.00 |
| Valsartan (Generic) Diovan (Brand) | ~$60.00 – $70.00 ~$970.00 – $2,400.00 | ~$20.00 – $30.00 ~$550.00 – $1,240.00 |
| Olmesartan (Generic) Benicar (Brand) | ~$45.00 – $65.00 ~$180.00 – $560.00 | ~$15.00 – $30.00 ~$100.00 – $295.00 |
Calcium Channel Blockers
These medications prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels. This allows the vessels to relax and the heart to beat with less force. Certain calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine, are recommended as first-choice options for treating hypertension.
- Amlodipine (Norvasc): A common once-daily pill used for hypertension and chest pain (angina).
- Diltiazem (Cardizem): Often used to manage blood pressure while also controlling certain heart rhythm issues.
- Nifedipine (Procardia): Used to treat high blood pressure and prevent chronic stable angina.
| Representative Medication (Generic/Brand) | Est. Average Retail Price | Est. Super+ RX Member Price |
| Amlodipine (Generic) Norvasc (Brand) | ~$15.00 – $45.00 ~$300.00 – $720.00 | ~$9.00 – $19.00 ~$175.00 – $380.00 |
| Diltiazem (Generic) Cardizem (Brand) | ~$25.00 – $70.00 ~$3,200.00 – $4,000.00 | ~$13.00 – $36.00 ~$1,860.00 – $1,920.00 |
| Nifedipine (Generic) Procardia (Brand) | ~$30.00 – $50.00 ~$170.00 – $380.00 | ~$7.00 – $25.00 ~$65.00 – $200.00 |
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers reduce the workload on your heart by blocking the effects of adrenaline. This causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. While beta-blockers can lower blood pressure, they are not typically a first-choice option for treating hypertension.
- Metoprolol (Lopressor): Frequently prescribed for hypertension and to prevent future heart attacks.
- Atenolol (Tenormin): A common choice for managing blood pressure and chest pain.
- Carvedilol (Coreg): Often used when hypertension is accompanied by heart failure.
| Representative Medication (Generic/Brand) | Est. Average Retail Price | Est. Super+ RX Member Price |
| Metoprolol (Generic) Lopressor (Brand) | ~$15.00 – $45.00 ~$620.00 – $650.00 | ~$9.00 – $19.00 ~$330.00 – $340.00 |
| Atenolol (Generic) Tenormin (Brand) | ~$17.00 – $60.00 ~$2,100.00 – $2,300.00 | ~$10.00 – $30.00 ~$1,200.00 – $1,230.00 |
| Carvedilol (Generic) Coreg (Brand) | ~$45.00 – $60.00 ~$1,200.00 – $4,300.00 | ~$12.00 – $30.00 ~$720.00 – $2,450.00 |
How to Save on Your Blood Pressure Medication
The cost of medication for high blood pressure can accumulate quickly. However, you should not have to pay the full retail price.
- Choose Generics: Ask your healthcare professional if a generic version is available. Generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medications but usually cost significantly less.
- Compare Pharmacy Prices: Prices for the exact same medication can vary by $50 or more between pharmacies on the same street.
- Use Super+ RX: Save up to 85% on your prescription costs. Compare pricing and get verified discounts at over 74,000 trusted pharmacies by visiting Super.com/rx.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common blood pressure medication?
Lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide are among the most frequently prescribed medications for hypertension in the United States. Many people are prescribed a combination of a diuretic, ACE inhibitor, ARB, or calcium channel blocker to achieve optimal results.
Can I switch to a generic version to save money?
Yes, in most cases. The FDA requires generic medications to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand-name medication. Switching to a generic can often reduce your out-of-pocket costs by 80% or more.
Why does the price of my medication change at different pharmacies?
Pharmacies negotiate different rates with wholesalers and insurance providers. If you are uninsured or have a high deductible, the “cash price” you see at one retailer may be much higher than at another. It can be a good idea to compare prices before filling your prescription.
Are there side effects to blood pressure pills?
While these medications are designed to help, they can cause side effects. Common ones include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- A dry cough (common with ACE inhibitors)
- Increased urination (common with diuretics)
- Fatigue or cold hands (common with beta-blockers)
How do I use a Super+ RX coupon?
Simply search for your medication on Super.com/rx, select your preferred pharmacy, and show the digital coupon to your pharmacist when you drop off or pick up your prescription. The discount is applied immediately at the register.
Save up to 85% on your prescription costs today.
Compare pricing and get verified discounts at over 74,000 trusted pharmacies at Super.com/rx.
References
ClinCalc. Hydrochlorothiazide. ClinCalc DrugStats Database version 2025.08. Accessed March 19, 2026. https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Hydrochlorothiazide
ClinCalc. Lisinopril. ClinCalc DrugStats Database version 2025.08. Accessed March 19, 2026. https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Lisinopril
Iqbal AM, Jamal SF. Essential hypertension. StatPearls. July 20, 2023. Accessed March 19, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539859/
Writing Committee Members*, Jones DW, Ferdinand KC, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2025;82(10):e212-e316. doi:10.1161/HYP.0000000000000249.
Disclaimer:
Generative AI was used in the development of this content. All information in this article has been reviewed by our highly-trained clinicians. We do not provide medical advice. Please, consult a physician.
