Bacitracin Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Bacitracin Shortage in 2026: What's Really Going On

If you've recently been told your pharmacy can't fill a Bacitracin prescription, or you've noticed empty shelves where the familiar first aid ointment used to be, you're dealing with a real problem — not just bad luck. Several forms of Bacitracin are facing supply issues in 2026, and it's important to understand what's happening, what's affected, and what your options are.

This article covers the latest updates on the Bacitracin shortage as of March 2026.

Is Bacitracin Still in Shortage?

The short answer: it depends on which form you need.

Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment — YES, Active Shortage

The prescription Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment (used for eye infections) is in an active shortage. Padagis US, one of the primary manufacturers, temporarily discontinued production of the 3.5-gram tube in early 2025. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the estimated resupply date is October 2026.

This means patients with eye infections like bacterial conjunctivitis may have difficulty getting this specific medication for several more months.

Bacitracin for Injection — Permanently Withdrawn

The injectable form of Bacitracin has been permanently removed from the market. The FDA requested all manufacturers voluntarily withdraw it due to serious risks including nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and anaphylactic reactions. This form was previously used to treat infantile pneumonia and empyema. Safer treatments are now available for these conditions.

Bacitracin Topical Ointment (OTC) — Generally Available

The good news: over-the-counter Bacitracin topical ointment for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns remains widely available at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. Prices range from $5 to $13 for a standard tube. While occasional spot shortages can occur, this isn't a systemic problem.

Why Is Bacitracin Hard to Find?

Several factors are contributing to the current supply challenges:

• Manufacturing disruptions — Padagis US, a key producer of Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment, halted production. With limited manufacturers for this niche product, one company's pause creates a significant gap.
• Limited competition — Unlike common generic drugs with dozens of manufacturers, Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment has very few producers. This makes the supply fragile.
• Regulatory actions — The FDA's withdrawal of Bacitracin injection removed one formulation entirely, and the ripple effects continue to affect how the drug is perceived in the marketplace.
• Raw material sourcing — Bacitracin is a complex polypeptide antibiotic, and sourcing the raw materials for production can be challenging, especially for smaller-volume formulations.

For a deeper explanation of the supply situation, read our article on why Bacitracin is so hard to find.

What Does Bacitracin Cost in 2026?

Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Bacitracin topical ointment (OTC, 14g tube) — $5 to $13 at most pharmacies
• Bacitracin topical ointment (OTC, 28g tube) — $11 to $15
• Bacitracin Zinc ointment (OTC) — $11 to $13 for a 28.4g tube
• Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment (Rx) — When available, typically $15 to $40 with insurance or coupons

Because the topical OTC form doesn't require a prescription, most insurance plans don't cover it. The ophthalmic version may be covered under your prescription benefits. See our tips on how to save money on Bacitracin.

Are There New Options or Developments?

As of early 2026, here are the key developments to watch:

• Padagis resupply timeline — The manufacturer has estimated an October 2026 return for the ophthalmic formulation. This date could shift based on production recovery.
• Alternative treatments — Ophthalmologists are increasingly using Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment and fluoroquinolone eye drops as substitutes. These are well-established alternatives with proven efficacy.
• Compounding pharmacies — Some compounding pharmacies can prepare Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment from raw ingredients, though availability varies by location.

Read our full guide on alternatives to Bacitracin for detailed information on substitutes.

How to Find Bacitracin in Stock

If you need Bacitracin and your regular pharmacy is out, here's what to do:

1. Search on Medfinder — Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability near you.
2. Try independent pharmacies — They may source from different distributors than chain pharmacies.
3. Check online — For the OTC version, Amazon, Walmart.com, and online pharmacy sites often have stock.
4. Ask your doctor about alternatives — If you can't find the ophthalmic version, your prescriber can switch you to an available option.

For detailed strategies, see our article on how to find Bacitracin in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Bacitracin shortage in 2026 is primarily affecting the ophthalmic formulation, with relief expected by late 2026. The OTC topical ointment remains widely available and affordable. If you're affected by the shortage, use Medfinder to search for availability and work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment for your needs.

Stay informed by checking our other Bacitracin guides, including what is Bacitracin and Bacitracin side effects.