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Track the exact medicine in this category
Blood pressure medicines can have different availability by brand, strength and formulation. Use the category page for context, then track the medicine page that matches your prescription.
If you have already run out, an emergency supply is usually faster than ringing round. Pharmacists cannot make an emergency supply of Schedule 1, 2 or 3 controlled drugs, such as ADHD stimulants, whoever asks (phenobarbital for epilepsy is the only exception): you need a new prescription, from your prescriber or through NHS 111. If you are still looking, check the national shortage status before you travel.
Get an emergency supply → Check stock & shortage status →📰 In the News
Blood pressure and heart medication shortages are making national headlines in early 2026:
Quick Status: All Blood Pressure Drugs
Click any medication below to see its full shortage details, alternatives and tracking page.
Current Shortage Status
Ramipril
Ramipril capsules — Serious Shortage Protocol ended, supply not confirmed back
Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSPSSP087, which let pharmacists limit ramipril 1.25mg capsules to one month's supply, ended on 30 October 2026 without an extension (NHSBSA). DHSC MSN/2026/043 said all ramipril capsule strengths (1.25mg, 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg) were in limited supply until the end of October 2026; that date has passed with no DHSC update, so supply is not confirmed back (checked 1 November 2026).
Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor taken by roughly 6 million people in the UK. It is the country's most-prescribed blood pressure drug and among the top 10 most-prescribed medications overall. The current official row affects a specific ramipril presentation; other strengths and forms may still be available locally.
Propranolol
Propranolol 80mg & 160mg modified-release capsules
Medium DHSC MSNPropranolol 80mg and 160mg modified-release capsules are unavailable: Community Pharmacy England reported on 10 September 2026 that the SPS Medicines Supply Tool shows an estimated re-supply date of November 2026. Check the live propranolol page for the latest row before acting on older expected-resupply dates.
Propranolol is a beta-blocker used for high blood pressure, anxiety, migraine prevention and essential tremor. It is the modified-release (slow-acting) capsules that are affected — the immediate-release tablet versions remain available. Your GP may need to adjust your dosing schedule if switching from MR to immediate-release formulations, as MR capsules are typically taken once daily while IR tablets are usually taken two or three times a day.
Historic / Expired Records
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) 10mg & 20mg chewable tablets
No current official shortage Expired NHSBSA SSPHistoric Serious Shortage Protocols for Lipitor chewable tablets in 10mg and 20mg strengths have expired. They are retained here as context, but MediWatch does not currently count atorvastatin as an active shortage.
Atorvastatin is a statin prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. While not a blood pressure drug in the strictest sense, it is commonly co-prescribed with antihypertensives and many patients take both. The shortage affects only the chewable tablet formulation (brand name Lipitor) — standard atorvastatin tablets are not in short supply.
Drugs NOT Currently in Shortage
Good news: Several major blood pressure medications have no active DHSC notice or Serious Shortage Protocol in MediWatch's official data (checked 15 October 2026). Amlodipine, bisoprolol, losartan, candesartan, enalapril and lisinopril have no active notice.
For ramipril, DHSC says: “Alternative ACE inhibitors and ARBs remain available; however, routine switching is not recommended as usage is significantly lower than that of ramipril, so could risk compromising other supply chains.” (MSN/2026/043). Always discuss any changes with your prescriber.
Understanding the Drug Classes
Blood pressure medications fall into several classes, and understanding which class your drug belongs to can help you discuss alternatives with your GP:
- ACE inhibitors (ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril) — relax blood vessels by blocking the enzyme that produces angiotensin II
- ARBs (losartan, candesartan) — block angiotensin II at the receptor level. Often used when ACE inhibitors cause a dry cough
- Beta-blockers (propranolol, bisoprolol) — slow the heart rate and reduce the force of contraction
- Calcium channel blockers (amlodipine) — relax blood vessel walls by blocking calcium entry into muscle cells
- Statins (atorvastatin) — lower cholesterol rather than blood pressure directly, but commonly co-prescribed
What to Do If Your Blood Pressure Medication Is Affected
- Never stop taking blood pressure medication without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist. Stopping abruptly can cause rebound hypertension.
- Ask your pharmacist first. No blood pressure Serious Shortage Protocol is in force now (checked 1 November 2026): SSP087, which let them limit ramipril 1.25mg capsules to one month's supply, ended on 30 October 2026 without an extension, and it never allowed a different medicine.
- Contact your GP if no alternative is available — they can prescribe a different drug from the same class or a different class entirely.
- Monitor your blood pressure at home if you have a monitor. Record readings and share them at your next appointment.
- Order repeat prescriptions early. Don't wait until the last day to request refills. Two weeks' lead time gives your pharmacy breathing room.
- Don't stockpile. Buying more than you need makes shortages worse for everyone.
How Serious Shortage Protocols Work
When the UK government recognises a critical supply issue, DHSC can issue a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP), which NHSBSA publishes. This is a legal instrument that allows community pharmacists to supply a specified alternative quantity, strength, formulation or medicine without going back to the prescriber. Ask your pharmacist what the current SSP permits for your prescription.
SSPs are only activated when there is genuine clinical and supply-chain justification. They include specific instructions on what can be substituted and any quantity restrictions. You can view all current SSPs on the NHSBSA website.
Further Reading
- Ramipril shortage UK 2026 — full analysis and timeline
- Propranolol shortage UK 2026 — what's happening and when it ends
- What to do when your prescription is out of stock
- Completely run out? How NHS 111 and pharmacists arrange an emergency supply
Related Condition Pages
This page is updated when new shortage data is published. Source data checked: 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC.