📰 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 Active Shortages
Ramipril
Ramipril 2.5mg tablets — Serious Shortage Protocol
Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSPA Serious Shortage Protocol is active for ramipril 2.5mg tablets. Under this SSP, pharmacists can dispense ramipril 2.5mg capsules as an alternative without needing to contact your GP for a new prescription.
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 shortage affects only the 2.5mg tablet form — capsules of the same strength are identical in terms of active ingredient and dosage, and are fully available.
Propranolol
Propranolol 80mg & 160mg modified-release capsules
Medium DHSC MSNPropranolol 80mg MR capsules out of stock until early March 2026. 160mg MR capsules were out of stock from late November 2025 until mid-late January 2026.
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 fully 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.
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) 10mg & 20mg chewable tablets
Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSPMultiple Serious Shortage Protocols are active for Lipitor chewable tablets in 10mg and 20mg strengths. These are primarily used by patients who have difficulty swallowing standard tablets.
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 current supply issues. Amlodipine, bisoprolol, losartan, candesartan, enalapril and lisinopril are all currently available through normal supply channels.
If your GP is considering switching you to an alternative due to ramipril or propranolol shortages, these medications may be options depending on your clinical needs. 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. Under a Serious Shortage Protocol, they can dispense an approved alternative on the spot — no new prescription needed.
- 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, NHSBSA can issue a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP). This is a legal instrument that allows community pharmacists to supply a specified alternative medicine without going back to the prescriber. For ramipril 2.5mg tablets, pharmacists are authorised to dispense capsules instead.
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
Related Condition Pages
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Sign up free — takes 30 seconds →This page is updated when new shortage data is published. Last checked: 4 March 2026.