Bacitracin Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Bacitracin Shortage in 2026: Here's What's Happening

If you've been unable to find Bacitracin at your pharmacy recently, you're dealing with the effects of an ongoing drug shortage that has impacted patients across the country. In this article, we'll give you the latest update on the Bacitracin shortage, explain what's causing it, and share practical steps you can take.

Is Bacitracin Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, yes — Bacitracin is still in shortage, specifically the prescription ophthalmic ointment (the eye form).

Here's the current situation:

• Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment (Rx) — In active shortage. Padagis US, the primary manufacturer, temporarily discontinued the 3.5-gram tube in early 2025. The estimated resupply date is October 2026, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
• Bacitracin topical ointment (OTC) — Generally available. Multiple manufacturers produce this form, so while spot shortages may occur, it's usually findable at pharmacies, drugstores, and online retailers.
• Bacitracin for injection — Permanently withdrawn from the U.S. market. In 2020, the FDA requested all manufacturers voluntarily pull this product due to serious safety concerns including kidney damage and anaphylactic reactions.

Why Is Bacitracin Hard to Find?

The shortage comes down to a few key factors:

Manufacturer Discontinuation

Padagis US was the primary supplier of Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment in the United States. When they discontinued production — even temporarily — it created a gap that no other manufacturer has been able to fill. This is a common pattern in drug shortages: when a market has only one or two manufacturers, any disruption has an outsized impact.

Limited Competition

Unlike common oral medications that have dozens of generic manufacturers, Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment is made by very few companies. The economics of sterile ophthalmic manufacturing are challenging, which discourages new competitors from entering the market.

Supply Chain Challenges

Raw material sourcing, quality control requirements, and distribution logistics all play a role. Sterile ophthalmic products face particularly strict manufacturing standards, making it harder to quickly ramp up production.

For a deeper dive into the causes, read our article on why Bacitracin is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Bacitracin Cost in 2026?

Costs vary depending on which form you need:

• OTC topical ointment: $2.52 to $13.44 at retail. Discount cards from GoodRx or SingleCare can bring the price as low as $2.52.
• Prescription ophthalmic ointment: $10.20 to $46.39, depending on the pharmacy. With a SingleCare coupon, you may pay around $10.20 for a 14g tube.

If you have insurance, the ophthalmic form is typically covered as a Tier 1 generic with a low copay. The OTC form is generally not covered by insurance since it doesn't require a prescription. For more on pricing, see our guide to saving money on Bacitracin.

Are There New Options or Alternatives?

While no new Bacitracin products have entered the market, you have several alternatives:

For Minor Wound Care (OTC)

• Polysporin — Double antibiotic ointment containing Bacitracin + Polymyxin B ($5-$12)
• Neosporin — Triple antibiotic ointment containing Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B ($5-$15)
• Petroleum jelly (Aquaphor) — Studies show it's equally effective for clean minor wounds ($3-$10)

For Eye Infections (Rx)

• Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment — The most commonly prescribed alternative
• Tobramycin ophthalmic — Available as drops or ointment
• Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic drops — A fluoroquinolone option
• Polytrim (Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim) drops — Another widely used combination

For a full comparison, read alternatives to Bacitracin.

How to Find Bacitracin in Stock Right Now

Even during a shortage, some pharmacies still have Bacitracin available. Here's how to find it:

1. Use Medfinder — Check real-time pharmacy stock near your zip code
2. Try independent pharmacies — They often have supplies that chain pharmacies don't
3. Ask about compounding — Compounding pharmacies may be able to prepare Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment
4. Check online retailers — For the OTC form, Amazon and Walmart.com often have stock
5. Ask your pharmacist to order it — Your pharmacy may be able to special-order it from their wholesaler

For more detailed strategies, check out how to find Bacitracin in stock near you.

What About Telehealth?

If you need a prescription for Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment or an alternative, many doctors now offer telehealth appointments. A provider can evaluate your symptoms via video call and send a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. This is especially helpful when you've already found a pharmacy with stock and just need a prescription directed there. Learn more about finding a prescriber near you.

Final Thoughts

The Bacitracin shortage — particularly for the ophthalmic form — is expected to continue through much of 2026, with resupply estimated around October. The OTC topical form is more widely available but can be harder to find in some areas.

The best thing you can do is stay informed, use tools like Medfinder to check stock, and talk to your doctor about alternatives if you can't find what you need. This shortage will end, but in the meantime, you have real options.

Want to understand what Bacitracin does and how it works? Read our articles on Bacitracin uses and dosage and how Bacitracin works.