Provider Briefing: Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone Availability in 2026

For years, prescribing Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone (Cipro HC Otic) for acute otitis externa meant patients often faced availability challenges at the pharmacy. As a single-source brand product for over 27 years, supply disruptions and high costs were persistent issues.

The landscape shifted in December 2025 with the FDA's approval of the first generic. This briefing covers the current supply picture, prescribing considerations, cost and access updates, and practical tools to help your patients get treated efficiently.

Timeline: How We Got Here

Understanding the history helps contextualize the current situation:

• 1998: FDA approves Cipro HC Otic (ciprofloxacin HCl 0.2% / hydrocortisone 1% otic suspension) — NDA #20-805
• 1998–2025: Cipro HC remains a single-source brand product with no approved generic alternative for 27 years
• Intermittent supply issues: As the sole manufacturer, any production or raw material disruption caused pharmacy-level shortages nationwide
• December 16, 2025: FDA approves the first generic — Cosette Pharmaceuticals' ciprofloxacin HCl 0.2% / hydrocortisone 1% otic suspension, with 180 days of Competitive Generic Therapy (CGT) exclusivity
• December 2025: Cosette begins commercial shipments immediately
• Early 2026: Generic gradually entering pharmacy inventories; not yet universally stocked

Prescribing Implications

Generic Substitution

The Cosette generic is an AB-rated therapeutic equivalent to Cipro HC Otic. Pharmacists may substitute automatically unless you indicate "Dispense As Written." In most clinical scenarios, there is no reason to require the brand.

Formulary Considerations

Insurance formularies are in the process of updating to include the generic. Most commercial and Medicaid plans are expected to prefer the generic, which may result in:

• Lower copays for patients (potentially $10-$30 vs. previous brand copays of $50-$75+)
• Removal of prior authorization requirements that some plans had in place for brand-only Cipro HC
• Reduced step therapy barriers

When to Consider Alternatives

If a patient reports difficulty finding Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone — or if cost is prohibitive — the following alternatives are clinically appropriate for acute otitis externa:

• Ofloxacin 0.3% otic solution: First-line per many guidelines. Generic widely available at $25-$40. No steroid component. Safe with perforated TM.
• Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone (Ciprodex): Same antibiotic, more potent steroid. Generic available at $55-$65 with coupon. Also indicated for AOM with tympanostomy tubes.
• Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Hydrocortisone (Cortisporin): Very affordable ($15-$30). Ototoxicity risk if TM is perforated — use only with confirmed intact TM. Higher allergy potential (neomycin).
• Acetic acid/Hydrocortisone (VoSol HC): Non-antibiotic option for mild AOE. May be appropriate for early or uncomplicated cases.

For patient-facing information on alternatives, you can direct patients to this alternatives guide.

Current Availability Picture

As of early 2026:

• FDA/ASHP shortage status: Not currently listed as an active shortage
• Brand (Cipro HC Otic): Available but may not be stocked at all pharmacies due to high cost and now-available generic
• Generic (Cosette): Shipping since December 2025. Distribution is expanding, but pharmacy adoption is still catching up. Some wholesalers may not yet carry it.
• Seasonal note: AOE prescribing peaks May through September. Plan for potential increased demand during summer months.

Checking Availability

Medfinder for Providers offers pharmacy inventory search tools that can help you or your staff verify stock before sending a prescription. This prevents the common scenario where patients arrive at the pharmacy only to be told the medication is unavailable.

Cost and Access in 2026

Pricing is evolving rapidly with the generic entry:

• Brand Cipro HC Otic: Retail $350-$480 per 10 mL bottle
• Generic (Cosette): Estimated retail $70-$150 per 10 mL bottle
• With discount cards: Brand as low as $130 (SingleCare); generic pricing with coupons still being established
• Insurance copays: Expected to decrease as plans shift to generic-preferred tiers

Patient Assistance

For uninsured or underinsured patients:

• Discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver) — no insurance required
• Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation — for eligible patients who need brand Cipro HC
• NeedyMeds and RxAssist — comprehensive databases of patient assistance programs

Direct patients to our savings guide for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone for detailed cost-reduction strategies.

Tools and Resources for Your Practice

Medfinder for Providers

Medfinder's provider tools help you:

• Check real-time pharmacy inventory before prescribing
• Identify pharmacies near your patient that have the medication in stock
• Reduce prescription abandonment due to availability issues

Clinical References

• AAO-HNSF Clinical Practice Guideline: Acute Otitis Externa (2014, reaffirmed)
• FDA label for Cipro HC Otic: NDA #20-805
• ASHP Drug Shortage Resource Center: ashp.org/drug-shortages

Looking Ahead

The Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone market is at an inflection point. Key developments to watch:

• CGT exclusivity expiration (June 2026): After Cosette's 180-day exclusivity period, additional generic manufacturers may enter the market, further increasing supply and reducing costs
• Formulary updates: Insurance plans are expected to complete generic formulary additions through mid-2026
• Summer demand: Monitor availability heading into summer 2026 AOE season — the first major demand spike with a generic on the market

Final Thoughts

The approval of the first generic Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone in December 2025 is a positive development for both providers and patients. While the transition period may involve some continued availability challenges, the long-term outlook is significantly improved.

In the meantime, having a prescribing plan that includes readily available alternatives (Ofloxacin otic, Ciprodex, Cortisporin) ensures your patients don't experience treatment delays. And tools like Medfinder for Providers can streamline the process of matching patients with pharmacies that have the medication they need.

For additional provider resources, see our companion guide: How to Help Your Patients Find Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone in Stock.