Beta-Blocker Cost Overview
Beta-blockers are among the most affordable cardiovascular medications available. With the exception of nebivolol (Bystolic), all commonly prescribed [beta-blockers](/drug-classes/beta-blockers) are available as low-cost generics, typically costing $4–$30 per month without insurance.
Beta-Blocker Price Comparison (30-Day Supply)
| Beta-Blocker | Brand Name | Common Dose | Generic Price | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metoprolol tartrate | Lopressor | 25–200 mg twice daily | $4–$10 | Hypertension, AFib (acute) |
| Metoprolol succinate | Toprol XL | 25–200 mg once daily | $10–$30 | Hypertension, [heart failure](/conditions/heart-failure), AFib |
| Atenolol | Tenormin | 25–100 mg once daily | $4–$10 | Hypertension, angina |
| Carvedilol | Coreg | 3.125–25 mg twice daily | $10–$20 | Heart failure, [hypertension](/conditions/hypertension) |
| Bisoprolol | Zebeta | 2.5–10 mg once daily | $15–$30 | Heart failure, hypertension |
| Propranolol | Inderal | 10–80 mg twice daily | $10–$20 | Hypertension, tremor, migraine prevention, [anxiety](/conditions/anxiety) |
| Labetalol | Trandate | 100–400 mg twice daily | $15–$30 | Hypertension (especially in pregnancy) |
| Nebivolol | Bystolic | 5–40 mg once daily | $30–$60 (generic available) | Hypertension |
Which Beta-Blocker Is Cheapest?
Atenolol and [metoprolol](/drugs/metoprolol) tartrate are consistently the least expensive beta-blockers, often available for $4 per month at Walmart and other discount programs. However, atenolol is not recommended for heart failure (no proven mortality benefit), and metoprolol tartrate requires twice-daily dosing.
For heart failure specifically, only three beta-blockers have proven mortality benefit: carvedilol, metoprolol succinate, and bisoprolol. Of these, carvedilol is typically the least expensive ($10–$20/month).
Metoprolol Tartrate vs. Succinate: Why the Price Difference?
Metoprolol tartrate (immediate-release, twice daily) is cheaper than metoprolol succinate (extended-release, once daily) because the tartrate salt went generic earlier. Metoprolol succinate is preferred for heart failure and once-daily dosing convenience, and its price has dropped significantly since generics became widely available.
How to Save on Beta-Blockers
- Walmart $4 Generics: Atenolol, metoprolol tartrate, propranolol, and carvedilol are often on the $4 list.
- GoodRx / RxGo coupons: Can reduce costs at most pharmacies.
- 90-day supply: Ordering a 90-day supply (mail order or pharmacy) typically reduces the per-day cost by 20–30%.
References
- Yancy CW, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2017;70(6):776-803.
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