If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension) in Australia, your GP will likely prescribe medication to bring your levels down. This guide covers everything you need to know about blood pressure medications in Australia, including what is covered by the PBS, how much you will pay, common brand names, and how to get prescriptions.
PBS coverage and costs for blood pressure medication
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises most blood pressure medications in Australia. From January 1, 2026, the PBS co-payment changed to make medications more affordable.
2026 PBS co-payment prices
As of January 2026, you pay:
- General patients: Maximum $25.00 per prescription (reduced from $31.60)
- Concession card holders: $7.70 per prescription (unchanged until 2030)
Pharmacists may charge an additional dispensing fee (up to $2.79 in 2026), but the total cannot exceed the co-payment cap. Some medications cost less than the co-payment, so you only pay the actual price.
New in 2026: Single-pill combination therapies
From April 1, 2026, the PBS now covers single-pill combination therapies (also called fixed-dose combinations or FDCs). This is a major change recommended by the National Hypertension Taskforce.
Instead of taking two separate tablets, you can now get both medications in one pill. This makes it easier to stick to treatment and reduces the chance of missing doses.
Common PBS-listed combinations include perindopril + amlodipine, telmisartan + amlodipine, and irbesartan + hydrochlorothiazide. Ask your GP if a combination pill is right for you.
The 5 main types of blood pressure medications
Blood pressure medications are grouped into classes based on how they work. Here are the five main types used in Australia.
1. ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) relax blood vessels by blocking the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels.
How to recognise them: Names end in -pril.
Common Australian brands: Perindopril (Coversyl, Perindo), enalapril (Renitec), ramipril (Tritace, Ramace), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril).
Best for: Younger adults, people with diabetes or kidney disease, heart failure patients.
Common side effects: Dry cough (10-20% of users), dizziness, elevated potassium levels. The cough can be persistent and annoying. If it bothers you, your GP can switch you to an ARB.
2. ARBs (Angiotensin receptor blockers)
ARBs work similarly to ACE inhibitors but block angiotensin II at the receptor level instead of blocking its production. They are often used when ACE inhibitors cause a cough.
How to recognise them: Names end in -sartan.
Common Australian brands: Irbesartan (Avapro, Karvea), candesartan (Atacand), telmisartan (Micardis), valsartan (Diovan), olmesartan (Olmetec), losartan (Cozaar).
Best for: People who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors (due to cough), diabetes, kidney disease.
Common side effects: Dizziness, elevated potassium, headache. Generally well tolerated with fewer side effects than ACE inhibitors.
3. Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering heart muscle and blood vessel cells, which relaxes the blood vessels and reduces heart workload.
Common Australian brands: Amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), lercanidipine (Zanidip), verapamil (Isoptin), diltiazem (Cardizem).
Best for: Older adults (over 55), people who also have angina (chest pain), some types of arrhythmias.
Common side effects: Ankle swelling (especially amlodipine), flushing, headache, dizziness. The swelling is harmless but can be uncomfortable.
4. Beta blockers
Beta blockers slow down your heart rate and reduce the force of heartbeats, which lowers blood pressure. They are often used after a heart attack or for people with heart failure.
How to recognise them: Names end in -lol.
Common Australian brands: Metoprolol (Betaloc, Minax), atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Cardicor), carvedilol (Dilatrend), nebivolol (Nebilet).
Best for: People with a history of heart attack, heart failure, angina, or certain types of irregular heartbeat.
Common side effects: Fatigue, cold hands and feet, dizziness, weight gain (1-3kg), difficulty exercising at high intensity.
5. Diuretics
Diuretics (water tablets) help your kidneys remove extra salt and water from your body through urine. This reduces the volume of fluid in your blood vessels, lowering pressure.
How to recognise them: Thiazide diuretics often end in -zide.
Common Australian brands: Hydrochlorothiazide (Dithiazide), indapamide (Dapa-Tabs, Napamide), chlorthalidone, amiloride (Kaluril), spironolactone (Aldactone, Spiractin). Combination products like Moduretic (amiloride + hydrochlorothiazide) are also common.
Best for: Older adults, people with fluid retention, often used in combination with other blood pressure medications.
Common side effects: Increased urination (especially in the first few weeks), low potassium or sodium, dizziness when standing, gout flare-ups in people who are susceptible.
Common blood pressure medications in Australia (PBS list)
This table shows common blood pressure medications available on the PBS in Australia, along with typical co-payment costs for 2026.
| Generic name | Common brand names | Class | PBS co-payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perindopril | Coversyl, Perindo | ACE inhibitor | $25 / $7.70 |
| Irbesartan | Avapro, Karvea | ARB | $25 / $7.70 |
| Amlodipine | Norvasc | Calcium channel blocker | $25 / $7.70 |
| Candesartan | Atacand | ARB | $25 / $7.70 |
| Telmisartan | Micardis | ARB | $25 / $7.70 |
| Metoprolol | Betaloc, Minax | Beta blocker | $25 / $7.70 |
| Hydrochlorothiazide | Dithiazide | Diuretic | $25 / $7.70 |
| Enalapril | Renitec | ACE inhibitor | $25 / $7.70 |
| Ramipril | Tritace, Ramace | ACE inhibitor | $25 / $7.70 |
| Valsartan | Diovan | ARB | $25 / $7.70 |
| Indapamide | Dapa-Tabs, Napamide | Diuretic | $25 / $7.70 |
| Bisoprolol | Cardicor | Beta blocker | $25 / $7.70 |
Note: Co-payment is shown as general / concession. Some generic medications may cost less than the co-payment cap, in which case you only pay the actual price.
How to get a blood pressure prescription in Australia
There are three main ways to get a blood pressure prescription in Australia: in-person GP visit, telehealth consultation, or online doctor service.
In-person GP visit
Book an appointment with your regular GP. They will check your blood pressure, review your medical history, and write a prescription if needed. This is the most common route for initial prescriptions.
Your GP may also order blood tests to check kidney function and electrolyte levels before starting certain medications.
Telehealth (phone or video consultation)
Many GP clinics now offer telehealth appointments via phone or video call. Your doctor can send an electronic prescription (eToken) directly to your phone via SMS or email. You take the code to any pharmacy to fill the prescription.
Telehealth is convenient for repeat prescriptions and medication reviews. However, initial prescriptions often require an in-person visit so your GP can check your blood pressure directly.
Online doctor platforms
Services like Instant Consult, NextClinic, Teldoc, and Doctors On Demand offer online consultations for blood pressure prescriptions. Consultations typically cost $29-60.
The doctor will review your health history and current blood pressure readings (you may need to provide recent measurements). If appropriate, they send an electronic prescription to your phone.
Electronic prescriptions (eTokens)
Most blood pressure prescriptions in Australia are now issued electronically. Your GP sends a prescription token (QR code or number) to your phone via SMS or email.
You show the code to any pharmacy in Australia to fill the prescription. The token is stored in your My Health Record and can be used at any participating pharmacy.
Electronic prescriptions are convenient because you do not need to carry paper scripts, and you cannot lose them. Some pharmacies also offer prescription delivery services.
Repeat prescriptions and how long they last
Most blood pressure prescriptions in Australia include up to 5 repeats, which gives you 6 months of medication (one month dispensed at a time).
Each repeat must be filled within a certain period (typically 6 months from the date the prescription was written). After you use all repeats, you need to see your GP again to get a new prescription.
Some medications have stricter PBS restrictions and may only allow 2-3 repeats. Check with your pharmacist if you are unsure how many repeats you have left.
My Health Record and blood pressure medications
My Health Record is a secure online summary of your health information. Your blood pressure prescriptions are automatically uploaded to your record when your doctor or pharmacist uses an electronic system.
You can view your prescription history, dispensing records, and medication lists through the My Health Record app or website. This is useful if you see multiple doctors or need to remember which medications you have tried in the past.
Pharmacists can also check your My Health Record to see if you have allergies or drug interactions before dispensing a new medication.
Brand name vs generic: Does it matter?
Generic medications contain the same active ingredient and dose as brand-name versions. They are just as effective and must meet the same quality standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
For PBS prescriptions, generic and brand-name medications cost the same co-payment ($25 or $7.70). However, for private prescriptions (non-PBS), generics are much cheaper, sometimes $20-30 less per month.
Your pharmacist will usually give you the generic version unless your doctor writes "no substitution" on the prescription. If you prefer a specific brand, ask your doctor to note that on the script.
When lifestyle changes are enough vs when medication is needed
Not everyone with high blood pressure needs medication right away. Your GP will decide based on how high your blood pressure is and your other risk factors.
Lifestyle changes alone may be enough if:
- Your blood pressure is in the high-normal range (120-139 / 80-89 mmHg)
- You do not have diabetes, kidney disease, or other cardiovascular risk factors
- You are willing and able to make significant lifestyle changes
Medication is usually recommended if:
- Your blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mmHg or higher
- You have diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke
- Your blood pressure is 160/100 mmHg or higher (medication needed immediately)
- Lifestyle changes alone have not lowered your blood pressure after 3-6 months
Even if you take medication, lifestyle changes still matter. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, reducing salt, losing weight, and managing stress can reduce the dose of medication you need or help you avoid needing a second medication.
Monitoring your blood pressure at home
If you take blood pressure medication, your GP will likely recommend checking your blood pressure at home. Home monitoring helps you and your doctor see how well the medication is working and whether the dose needs adjustment.
Follow proper measurement techniques to get accurate readings. Check at the same time each day, sit quietly for 5 minutes first, and keep a record of your readings.
Apps like Cardilog can help you track your blood pressure over time, log your medications, and share trends with your doctor. Regular tracking makes it easier to spot patterns and adjust treatment.
What to do if you experience side effects
All blood pressure medications can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and dry cough (ACE inhibitors).
If you experience mild side effects, they often improve after a few weeks as your body adjusts. Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your GP first.
Contact your GP if you experience:
- Persistent or severe side effects that interfere with daily life
- Dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (stop medication immediately and seek medical help, this can be a serious allergic reaction)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Persistent cough (common with ACE inhibitors)
Your GP can switch you to a different medication class, adjust the dose, or add a second medication to reduce side effects while still controlling your blood pressure.
Final thoughts
Blood pressure medication is widely available and affordable in Australia thanks to the PBS. With the 2026 co-payment reduction and new single-pill combination therapies, treatment is more convenient and cost-effective than ever.
Work with your GP to find the right medication and dose for you. Be patient, it may take a few tries to find what works best. Monitor your blood pressure at home, take your medication consistently, and combine it with healthy lifestyle changes for the best results.
If you have questions about your prescription, co-payment costs, or side effects, talk to your GP or pharmacist. They can help you navigate the PBS system and make sure you are getting the most effective treatment at the lowest cost.
