Is Cortisporin-Tc in Shortage in 2026?

If you've recently been prescribed Cortisporin-Tc and your pharmacy told you it's unavailable, you're probably wondering: is this medication in shortage? The short answer is it's complicated.

Cortisporin-Tc is not currently listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. However, patients across the country report difficulty finding it at their local pharmacies. This is a case where the real-world experience doesn't quite match the official status — and understanding why can help you figure out what to do next.

Is Cortisporin-Tc Still Available?

Yes, Cortisporin-Tc is still being manufactured by Endo Pharmaceuticals (Endo USA, Inc.). It has not been discontinued. The medication is an FDA-approved prescription ear drop (otic suspension) used to treat bacterial ear infections, including swimmer's ear and infections in surgical ear cavities.

The problem isn't that Cortisporin-Tc doesn't exist — it's that many pharmacies don't routinely stock it. This creates a gap between the drug being "available" from the manufacturer and being accessible to patients who need it right now.

Why Is Cortisporin-Tc Hard to Find?

Several factors combine to make Cortisporin-Tc difficult to locate:

Brand-Only Status

There is no generic version of Cortisporin-Tc. It's the only product on the market with this specific four-ingredient combination of colistin, neomycin, thonzonium bromide, and hydrocortisone acetate. When there's no generic, pharmacies have less incentive to stock it because brand-name products are expensive to keep in inventory.

High Cost

A single 10 mL bottle of Cortisporin-Tc costs $234 to $350 without insurance. Compare that to generic ofloxacin otic at $10–$30 or generic Cortisporin Otic at $15–$40, and it's clear why pharmacies prefer to stock the cheaper alternatives that patients can actually afford.

Low Prescription Volume

Cortisporin-Tc is a niche medication prescribed primarily by ENT specialists. Most cases of otitis externa are treated with more common ear drops. The low prescription volume means pharmacies can't justify keeping it in stock.

Insurance Barriers

Many insurance plans either don't cover Cortisporin-Tc or place it on a high formulary tier. When insurance routinely steers patients to cheaper alternatives, pharmacy demand drops further.

How Much Does Cortisporin-Tc Cost in 2026?

Here's what you can expect to pay for Cortisporin-Tc in 2026:

• Cash price (no insurance): $234–$350 for a 10 mL bottle
• With GoodRx Gold: As low as ~$224
• With SingleCare coupon: Varies by pharmacy, potentially 10–20% savings
• With insurance (if covered): Copays vary widely — often $50–$100+ on higher tiers

For detailed savings strategies, read our guide on how to save money on Cortisporin-Tc.

Are There New Options for Ear Infection Treatment?

While no new version of Cortisporin-Tc has been released, there are well-established alternatives that your doctor may recommend if Cortisporin-Tc isn't available or affordable:

• Ofloxacin otic 0.3% — Generic, $10–$30, safe for perforated eardrums
• Generic Ciprodex (ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone) — $50–$100, antibiotic plus steroid
• Generic Cortisporin Otic (neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone) — $15–$40, closely related formula

For a complete comparison, visit our article on alternatives to Cortisporin-Tc.

How to Find Cortisporin-Tc in Stock

If your doctor specifically needs you on Cortisporin-Tc, here's how to find it:

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder helps you search pharmacy availability in real time. Instead of calling every pharmacy in town, use the platform to quickly identify which locations near you currently have Cortisporin-Tc on hand.

2. Try Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies and specialty pharmacies tend to stock a wider range of medications. They may have Cortisporin-Tc in stock or be able to order it within 1–2 business days through their wholesaler network.

3. Check Hospital Outpatient Pharmacies

Hospital-based pharmacies — especially those connected to ENT clinics — are more likely to carry Cortisporin-Tc because they serve the patient population that needs it most.

4. Ask About Special Orders

Even chain pharmacies can special-order Cortisporin-Tc. The typical turnaround is 1–2 business days. Ask the pharmacist to check their wholesaler's inventory.

For more detailed tips, read our full guide on how to find Cortisporin-Tc in stock near you.

A Brief History: Cortisporin Products and Supply Issues

The Cortisporin brand has a complicated history when it comes to availability:

• 2018: King Pharmaceuticals discontinued Cortisporin Otic Suspension (the neomycin/polymyxin B/hydrocortisone version). The FDA later confirmed this was not for safety or effectiveness reasons.
• 2014–2015: Par Pharmaceutical (which had acquired JHP Pharmaceuticals) was itself acquired by Endo International, consolidating the Cortisporin-Tc product line under Endo.
• 2019: Endo relaunched Cortisporin-Tc Otic Suspension under updated labeling.
• 2020–present: Intermittent availability issues at the pharmacy level, driven by the factors described above — not a formal manufacturing shortage.

Final Thoughts

Cortisporin-Tc is not officially in shortage, but its brand-only status, high cost, and limited pharmacy stocking make it feel like one. If you need this medication, start with Medfinder to find it quickly, consider independent pharmacies, and talk to your doctor about alternatives if the search proves too difficult.

Stay informed about your medication options. Read more about Cortisporin-Tc side effects and drug interactions to watch for.