Amlodipine: The UK's Second Most Prescribed Drug

Amlodipine is dispensed over 40 million times per year in England, making it the second most prescribed drug in the country after atorvastatin. It is a calcium channel blocker used daily by millions of people to manage high blood pressure and angina. Despite its near-universal use, its Drug Tariff price sits at around 80p per 28-tablet pack — yet most paying patients hand over £9.90 each month.

What Is Amlodipine and Why Is It Prescribed So Widely?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina. With 40 million items dispensed in England in 2024/25 according to NHSBSA PCA data, it is among the most commonly prescribed cardiovascular medicines in the world. It is taken once daily, is available in 5mg and 10mg strengths, and is typically a long-term or lifelong prescription for most patients.

How Much Does Amlodipine Cost on the Drug Tariff?

Amlodipine 5mg has a Drug Tariff reimbursement price of approximately 80p per 28-tablet pack. This is what the NHS pays a pharmacy to source and dispense the medicine. Patients without an exemption pay £9.90 per prescription item — more than twelve times the drug's actual cost. Over a full year of monthly collections, that amounts to £118.80 paid for a medicine worth under £10 in total drug costs.

Who Qualifies for Free Amlodipine on the NHS?

Around 89% of all NHS prescription items in England are dispensed free of charge, based on NHSBSA 2024/25 data. Patients over 60, those under 16, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism are exempt from the charge. Many patients with hypertension qualify through age alone. However, working-age adults without a qualifying condition pay £9.90 per item, regardless of income.

What Does a Private Prescription for Amlodipine Cost?

A private prescription for amlodipine issued by a pharmacist independent prescriber can cost as little as £5.50 per item through services like RepeatsDirect. That is a saving of £4.40 per month compared to the NHS flat charge, or £52.80 per year. For patients on amlodipine as their only regular medication, a private prescription is likely cheaper than a Prescription Prepayment Certificate, which costs £114.50 annually.

Is a Prescription Prepayment Certificate Better Than a Private Prescription for Amlodipine?

A PPC costs £114.50 per year and covers all NHS prescriptions without limit. It becomes cost-effective if you collect three or more items each month. For a patient on amlodipine alone, the annual NHS charge would be £118.80 — making a PPC a modest saving of £4.30 per year. A private prescription at £5.50 per month totals £66 per year, saving £52.80 annually with no upfront commitment. For single-drug patients, private prescriptions are often the better choice.

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