Is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Still in Shortage in 2026?

The short answer: it depends on the formulation. The Amoxicillin/Clavulanate shortage that began in late 2022 has been one of the most persistent antibiotic shortages in recent memory. While standard tablets have become more consistently available, certain forms — particularly oral suspensions and extended-release tablets — continue to face intermittent supply problems in 2026.

Here's what patients need to know right now about the current state of the shortage, pricing, and how to get your prescription filled.

Which Formulations Are Still Affected?

According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the following Amoxicillin/Clavulanate formulations have been most impacted:

• Oral suspensions — Multiple strengths of the liquid form (used primarily for children) remain on backorder from several manufacturers. Teva has estimated release dates that have been repeatedly pushed back.
• Extended-release tablets (Augmentin XR) — Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has discontinued their generic extended-release tablets entirely, leaving fewer suppliers in the market.
• Chewable tablets — Some strengths of chewable tablets have also experienced periodic shortages.

The standard immediate-release tablets — especially the 875/125 mg strength most commonly prescribed for adults — are generally available, though spotty outages still occur at individual pharmacies.

Why Has the Shortage Lasted So Long?

Several factors have kept this shortage going for over three years:

Manufacturer Exits

When companies like Dr. Reddy's stop making certain formulations, the remaining manufacturers can't always ramp up production fast enough. Antibiotic manufacturing is a low-margin business, which means companies have less financial incentive to invest in expanding capacity.

Seasonal Demand Spikes

Every respiratory illness season creates a surge in demand for antibiotics. The triple threat of flu, COVID-19, and RSV in recent winters has driven prescribing volumes well above historical norms.

Raw Material Sourcing

Many of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for antibiotics are manufactured overseas, primarily in India and China. Any disruption at these facilities can ripple through the entire US supply chain.

FDA Response

The FDA has taken steps to address the shortage, including issuing guidance that allows pharmacies to compound certain beta-lactam antibiotics and approving a National Priority Voucher to encourage domestic antibiotic manufacturing. These are positive developments, but their impact takes time to materialize.

What Does Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Cost in 2026?

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is available as an affordable generic. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• With insurance: Most patients pay a $0-$15 copay. It's typically on Tier 1 of most insurance formularies with no prior authorization required.
• Without insurance (cash price): A typical course of treatment (20 tablets of 875/125 mg) costs $20-$60 at retail pharmacies.
• With a discount card: Using coupons from GoodRx, SingleCare, or other discount programs, you can often bring the price down to $10-$25.
• Walmart $4 program: Amoxicillin alone is on Walmart's $4 list, but Amoxicillin/Clavulanate may cost slightly more — typically around $10-$15.

Brand-name Augmentin, if you can find it, costs significantly more — $100-$300+ without insurance. There's rarely a reason to pay brand prices since the generic is therapeutically equivalent.

Are There Any New Options in 2026?

A few developments are worth knowing about:

• Compounding pharmacies — The FDA's guidance allowing compounding of beta-lactam antibiotics has opened up new options, especially for patients who need liquid formulations for children.
• Domestic manufacturing — The FDA's National Priority Voucher pilot program approved its first antibiotic manufacturer to produce amoxicillin domestically, which should help reduce future shortages.
• Telehealth prescribing — If you can't get to a doctor quickly, many telehealth platforms can prescribe Amoxicillin/Clavulanate or an appropriate alternative and send the prescription directly to a pharmacy that has it in stock.

How to Find Amoxicillin/Clavulanate in Stock

If your usual pharmacy doesn't have your medication, try these steps:

1. Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies near you with current stock.
2. Call independent pharmacies — they often have better availability than chains during shortages.
3. Ask your pharmacist to check other locations in their network or to order it for you (may take 1-2 days).
4. Talk to your doctor about a different formulation or alternative antibiotic if your specific form is unavailable.

For a more detailed walkthrough, see our guide on how to find Amoxicillin/Clavulanate in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Amoxicillin/Clavulanate shortage in 2026 is better than it was at its peak, but it's not over. Patients who need liquid suspensions or extended-release tablets may still face challenges. Stay proactive — check availability early, use tools like Medfinder, and keep your doctor informed if you're having trouble filling your prescription.

We'll continue to update this page as the shortage situation evolves. For the provider perspective, see our article on what prescribers need to know about the Amoxicillin/Clavulanate shortage.