Top 5 Porcine-Free Medications for High Blood Pressure

You shouldn't have to choose between a healthy heart and your religious values. For many in our community, the standard treatment for hypertension feels like a minefield. You pick up a bottle of generic capsules, and the word "gelatin" jumps out at you. Is it bovine? Is it porcine? Most of the time, the bottle doesn't say.

I’ve spent years helping patients navigate these labels. If you need to lower your blood pressure while keeping strictly Halal, here are the most reliable options for 2025.

1. Lisinopril (Tablet Form)

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor and one of the most common treatments for high blood pressure. The great news is that it is almost always produced as a solid compressed tablet. Tablets do not use gelatin. They use binders like corn starch or microcrystalline cellulose, which are 100% plant-based.

2. Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Like Lisinopril, the major manufacturers (including Pfizer and major generics) produce this as a solid, white tablet. It is a very safe bet for those avoiding animal derivatives.

3. Losartan (Cozaar)

If you can’t tolerate ACE inhibitors, your doctor might suggest an ARB like Losartan. Again, prioritize the tablet version. Many patients prefer the brand-name Cozaar because the manufacturing process is highly standardized and free of any animal cross-contamination.

4. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

This is a "water pill" or diuretic. While it is very effective, some versions come in capsules. You must explicitly ask your doctor to write "Tablets Only" on the prescription to ensure you avoid the gelatin shells.

5. Metoprolol Succinate (ER Tablets)

Beta-blockers like Metoprolol are essential for some heart conditions. The extended-release (ER) versions are almost exclusively sold as film-coated tablets, which use HPMC (plant-based coating) instead of animal products.

Advocacy for Better Brands

The challenge is that the "Halal-safe" brand-name versions are often more expensive than the mystery-gelatin generics. We don't think you should pay a "faith tax" to stay healthy. Our advocacy program helps you get these high-quality, porcine-free medications for $40 a month.

Check if your heart meds are available for $40/mo here.