The Augmentin Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you've struggled to fill an Augmentin prescription recently, you're dealing with one of the longest-running antibiotic shortages in recent memory. What started as a supply crunch during the 2022 respiratory illness surge has become a persistent problem that continues to affect patients across the country.

In this update, we'll cover the current status of the Augmentin shortage, explain why it's still happening, break down what it costs in 2026, and share practical steps you can take to get your medication.

Is Augmentin Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate) remains in active shortage according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The shortage primarily affects:

• Oral suspensions (liquid forms): Multiple strengths remain on back order from several manufacturers, including Teva. These are critical for pediatric patients.
• Extended-release tablets (Augmentin XR): Limited availability from Dr. Reddy's and other generic manufacturers.
• Standard tablets: The 875/125 mg and 500/125 mg tablets are generally more available than liquid forms, but spot shortages still occur during peak demand periods.

The FDA has documented seven shortage events for amoxicillin products over the past several years, and the agency approved a domestic manufacturing voucher in 2025 to help boost production. However, new manufacturing capacity takes time to come online.

Why Is Augmentin Still Hard to Find?

The shortage is driven by several overlapping factors:

Increased Demand

Augmentin is one of the most prescribed antibiotics in the United States. Demand spikes every winter during flu and respiratory illness season, overwhelming supply that's already stretched thin.

Manufacturing Challenges

Most Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is manufactured overseas. Factory shutdowns, quality control issues, and raw material shortages have all contributed to production delays. Liquid suspensions are especially complex to manufacture and have shorter shelf lives.

Supply Chain Fragility

The U.S. depends heavily on a small number of overseas suppliers for generic antibiotics. When any single manufacturer has a disruption, the ripple effects are felt nationwide. ASHP reports that back orders from individual manufacturers can last months.

For a deeper look at the causes, read our article on why Augmentin is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Augmentin Cost in 2026?

Cost varies significantly depending on whether you have insurance and which formulation you need:

• Brand-name Augmentin: $80–$150 for 20 tablets (875/125 mg) without insurance
• Generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate: $15–$97 retail for 20 tablets (875/125 mg); as low as $9–$20 with discount coupons from GoodRx, SingleCare, or similar programs
• With insurance: Typically $5–$45 copay. Generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is covered by approximately 79% of insurance plans, usually on Tier 1 or Tier 2

If cost is a concern, check out our full guide on how to save money on Augmentin in 2026.

Are There New Options or Developments?

A few positive developments are worth noting:

• FDA domestic manufacturing initiative: In 2025, the FDA approved its first National Priority Voucher specifically to strengthen domestic antibiotic manufacturing, including amoxicillin and Augmentin XR. This should help long-term supply stability.
• Multiple generic manufacturers: Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is produced by numerous generic manufacturers including Teva, Sandoz, Aurobindo, and Dr. Reddy's. As production catches up, availability should improve.
• Pharmacy compounding: Some compounding pharmacies can prepare Amoxicillin/Clavulanate suspensions when manufactured versions aren't available.

How to Find Augmentin in Stock

Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Use Medfinder: Visit medfinder.com to check which pharmacies near you currently have Augmentin available. This is the fastest way to avoid calling around.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have stock when chain pharmacies don't.
3. Ask about all formulations: If the 875 mg tablets are out, the 500 mg tablets (taken three times daily instead of twice) might be in stock.
4. Fill immediately: When you get your prescription, fill it the same day. Stock can change quickly.
5. Consider alternatives: If Augmentin is truly unavailable, your doctor can prescribe an effective alternative.

For step-by-step guidance, see our article on how to find Augmentin in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Augmentin shortage continues to be a frustrating reality in 2026, but the situation is not without hope. Domestic manufacturing investments, multiple generic producers, and better tools for finding available stock are all moving in the right direction.

In the meantime, stay proactive: use Medfinder, explore independent pharmacies, and keep the lines of communication open with your doctor about alternatives. You deserve the medication you need, and there are more ways than ever to find it.