Last updated: February 13, 2026
Overview
NDC 00002-1460 corresponds to Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 25 mg, a generic diuretic primarily prescribed for hypertension and edema. As a long-established medication, it has a well-defined market characterized by high generic penetration and stable demand, with pricing influenced by manufacturing costs, market competition, and healthcare policies.
Market Size and Demand
- The drug caters mainly to hypertensive patients and edema cases.
- The global antihypertensive drugs market was valued at approximately $22 billion in 2022, with diuretics accounting for roughly 15% of this volume.
- Hydrochlorothiazide maintains steady usage, with an estimated US inpatient and outpatient dispensation volume of approximately 50 million prescriptions annually.
- The US accounts for around 70% of the demand, driven by a high prevalence of hypertension (about 45% of adults).
Competitive Landscape
- The drug is available from multiple manufacturers, including Teva, Sandoz, Sun Pharma, and generic distributors, leading to significant price competition.
- Original Brand, Diuril (manufactured by Merck), remains on the market but sees limited sales relative to its generic counterparts.
- Entry barriers are low due to its patent expiry since the late 1980s, resulting in a saturated market.
Pricing Trends (2022-2023)
| Parameter |
Data |
| Range of wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) per 30-count bottle (25 mg) |
$4 - $8 |
| Average pharmacy retail price per 30-count |
$10 - $20 per bottle |
| Insurance reimbursement rate (average) |
$8 - $16 |
| Cost of manufacturing (estimated) |
<$0.50 per tablet |
Significant price variation is driven by quantity, distribution channel, and patient insurance coverage.
Recent Price Movements
- Prices for HCTZ 25 mg have remained relatively flat over the last two years.
- Price reductions of 10-20% occurred in 2020 amid increased generic competition.
- Price margins are compressed further by PBMs and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
Regulatory and Policy Factors
- As a generic, the drug is not subject to patent constraints, facilitating continuous market entry.
- Pending regulations or policies to promote biosimilars or alternative therapies can impact demand and pricing.
Price Projections (Next 1-3 Years)
| Year |
Projection |
Rationale |
| 2024 |
$4 - $8 (WAC), retail $10 - $20 |
Stable demand, increased market saturation, no major policy shifts expected |
| 2025 |
$4 - $8 |
Continued generic competition keeps prices steady |
| 2026 |
$4 - $8 |
Price erosion limited under current dynamics |
Key factors influencing these projections:
- Persistent high generic competition caps price increases.
- Potential shifts in prescribing patterns favoring newer antihypertensive agents could reduce demand marginally.
- Price stabilization is expected unless new regulations or patent litigations alter the landscape.
Summary
Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (NDC 00002-1460) remains a low-cost, widely used generic. Market stability and continued competition keep the price within a narrow window over the next three years. Any significant perturbation would likely emerge from regulatory changes, shifts in clinical guidelines, or a major patent dispute involving a formulation extension or a branded competitor.
Key Takeaways
- Market size is driven by high-volume antihypertensive therapy.
- Price points are stable due to intense generic competition.
- Wholesale costs range typically between $4 and $8 per 30-count bottle.
- Future price erosion is limited under current market conditions.
- Market demand remains steady unless influenced by regulatory or therapeutic shifts.
FAQs
-
How does market competition affect the price of Hydrochlorothiazide?
Strong competition among multiple manufacturers maintains low prices and limits profit margins.
-
Are there any recent patent protections or exclusivities affecting this drug?
No, Hydrochlorothiazide's patent expired in the late 1980s, resulting in widespread generic availability.
-
What regulatory factors could impact the price in the next few years?
Changes in FDA policies, drug pricing regulations, or increased focus on biosimilars could influence prices.
-
Is demand for Hydrochlorothiazide expected to decline?
Demand is likely to remain stable unless newer therapies replace diuretics as first-line treatment.
-
How do insurance dynamics influence the retail price of this drug?
Insurance coverage and PBM negotiations can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs and impact list prices.
Sources
[1] IQVIA. "US Retail Prescription Drug Market Data." 2022-2023.
[2] Statista. "Global Antihypertensive Drugs Market." 2022.
[3] FDA. "Approved Drug Products." 2023.
[4] GoodRx. "Hydrochlorothiazide Prices & Coupons." 2023.
