Is Augmentin XR still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on supply, pricing, and what you can do to find your medication.
If you've been prescribed Augmentin XR and had trouble finding it at the pharmacy, you're not imagining things. This extended-release antibiotic has experienced supply disruptions over the past several years, and patients across the country have been affected.
This article gives you the latest information on the Augmentin XR shortage status in 2026, explains why the supply is still inconsistent, and tells you exactly what to do if you can't find your medication.
The short answer: it depends on where you live and which pharmacy you use.
As of early 2026, Augmentin XR is not listed as an active shortage on the FDA's drug shortage database. However, real-world availability remains inconsistent. The brand-name version manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has been discontinued in many markets, and generic versions from manufacturers like Sandoz are available but not always in stock at every pharmacy.
The FDA has documented two shortage events specifically for Augmentin XR and seven for amoxicillin products overall. While the formal shortage may have been resolved on paper, patients continue to report difficulty finding the medication — particularly during cold and flu season when demand for antibiotics surges.
Even when a drug isn't in an official shortage, several factors can make it difficult to locate:
GSK has wound down production of brand-name Augmentin XR in several markets. This means pharmacies that previously stocked the brand have had to switch to generic alternatives — and not all of them have made that transition smoothly.
The number of companies making generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate ER is limited compared to regular Augmentin. Fewer manufacturers means less overall supply, and any disruption at a single plant can have outsized effects on availability.
Augmentin XR is primarily used for bacterial sinusitis and pneumonia — infections that spike dramatically during fall and winter. Manufacturers set production levels based on average demand, so seasonal peaks often outstrip supply.
Many pharmacies don't keep Augmentin XR in their regular inventory because it's prescribed less frequently than standard Augmentin. This means your local pharmacy may need to special-order it, adding a delay of 1-2 business days.
Cost is another factor that affects access. Here's what you can expect to pay:
If cost is a concern, be sure to read our comprehensive guide on how to save money on Augmentin XR.
There's encouraging news for the future. In 2025, the FDA approved USAntibiotics — a domestic manufacturer based in Bristol, Tennessee — under the National Priority Voucher Pilot Program. This program was specifically created to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity for essential antibiotics that have experienced shortages, including amoxicillin-based products.
While it takes time for new manufacturing capacity to ramp up and reach pharmacy shelves, this is a meaningful step toward more stable antibiotic supply in the United States.
If you need Augmentin XR today, here are your best options:
Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies near you that currently have Augmentin XR or generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate ER in stock. This is the quickest way to avoid wasted trips to pharmacies that are out of stock. For detailed tips, read our guide on how to find Augmentin XR near you.
Always ask the pharmacist to check for generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate ER 1000mg/62.5mg. The pharmacy may have the generic even if they don't have the brand.
Independent pharmacies often have more flexible supply chains than large chains. They may be able to source the medication from alternative distributors or expedite a special order.
If your treatment isn't urgent and your doctor approves, mail-order pharmacies may be able to ship Augmentin XR to you within 3-5 business days.
If you simply cannot find Augmentin XR, effective alternatives exist. Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Cefdinir, and Doxycycline can all treat bacterial sinusitis and community-acquired pneumonia. Each has different pros and cons — read our full comparison in alternatives to Augmentin XR.
Standard Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate immediate-release) is much more widely available than Augmentin XR. However, you cannot simply substitute regular Augmentin for the XR version. Augmentin XR delivers a higher dose of amoxicillin with a different clavulanate ratio, and the extended-release design provides sustained drug levels that the immediate-release version doesn't match.
That said, your doctor may determine that high-dose regular Augmentin (875mg/125mg twice daily) is appropriate for your specific infection. This is a clinical decision that should be made by your healthcare provider based on the type and severity of your infection.
The Augmentin XR supply situation in 2026 is better than it was during the worst shortages of 2022-2023, but challenges remain. The key takeaway for patients: don't wait until you're at the pharmacy counter to find out it's unavailable.
Check stock ahead of time using Medfinder, ask about both brand and generic versions, and have a conversation with your doctor about backup plans. With some planning, you can get the treatment you need without unnecessary delays.
For more information about this medication, visit our guides on what Augmentin XR is, side effects to watch for, and drug interactions.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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