Cyclopentolate Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Cyclopentolate Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you've had an eye exam recently — or tried to schedule one — you may have heard that Cyclopentolate eye drops are in short supply. This isn't new. The shortage has been building for years, and in 2026, it's still affecting patients across the country.

Here's what you need to know: what's happening, why it matters, and what you can do about it.

Is Cyclopentolate Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride ophthalmic solution remains on both the FDA Drug Shortages list and the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) shortage database. The combination product Cyclomydril (Cyclopentolate + Phenylephrine) is also listed as currently in shortage.

Both Alcon (manufacturer of the brand-name Cyclogyl) and Sandoz have maintained some production, but supplies have been inconsistent. Bausch Health, another supplier, has not fully explained the reasons for its supply interruptions. The situation has varied by region — some areas have adequate stock while others have seen repeated outages.

Why Is Cyclopentolate Hard to Find?

Several factors are driving the shortage:

Manufacturer Closures

Akorn, one of the largest generic ophthalmic drug manufacturers in the U.S., filed for bankruptcy and shut down operations in 2023. Akorn produced a significant portion of the country's generic Cyclopentolate supply. Their exit from the market created a gap that remaining manufacturers haven't fully closed.

Limited Production Capacity

Ophthalmic solutions must meet strict sterility requirements because they're applied directly to the eye. This makes manufacturing complex and limits how quickly companies can ramp up production. There are only a few facilities in the country equipped to produce these types of sterile eye drops at scale.

Supply Chain Pressures

Active pharmaceutical ingredients, preservatives, and specialized dropper bottles all come from a global supply chain. Disruptions at any point — whether due to raw material shortages, shipping delays, or regulatory issues — can slow production.

For a deeper dive into the causes, read why Cyclopentolate is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Cyclopentolate Cost in 2026?

Cyclopentolate pricing depends on whether you're getting the brand name or generic, and how you're paying:

• Generic Cyclopentolate 1% (2 mL): Average retail price around $30. With a discount card like GoodRx or SingleCare, you can pay as low as $9 to $12.
• Brand-name Cyclogyl 1% (15 mL): Can cost $50 to $75 without insurance at retail pharmacies.
• With insurance: Often covered with a low copay ($5 to $20), especially when administered in-office during an exam.

Keep in mind that Cyclopentolate is most commonly used in the doctor's office during eye exams. In that case, the cost is typically bundled into the exam fee, and you may not need to fill a separate prescription.

For more on saving money, see how to save money on Cyclopentolate in 2026.

Are There New Options or Developments?

While no new Cyclopentolate products have launched recently, there are a few developments worth noting:

• Compounding pharmacies have stepped up to fill gaps. Companies like Pine Pharmaceuticals offer combination ophthalmic drops (such as TPC Drops containing Tropicamide, Phenylephrine, and Cyclopentolate) that can substitute when the commercial product isn't available.
• Tropicamide has become more widely accepted as a substitute for routine cycloplegic refraction. Recent clinical studies have confirmed its effectiveness for non-strabismic pediatric patients, which has eased some of the pressure on Cyclopentolate demand.
• The FDA continues to work with manufacturers to address ophthalmic drug shortages, though progress has been slow.

How to Find Cyclopentolate in Stock

If you need Cyclopentolate — whether for yourself or your child — here are the most effective strategies:

1. Use Medfinder to search pharmacy inventory in your area. It's faster than calling around.
2. Try independent pharmacies. They often have access to different wholesalers and may have stock when chains don't.
3. Ask your eye doctor's office. Many clinics maintain their own supply of dilating drops and may have Cyclopentolate available even when retail pharmacies are out.
4. Consider compounding pharmacies for combination products if standalone Cyclopentolate isn't available.
5. Call ahead before your appointment to make sure drops are available.

For detailed strategies, read our full guide: How to find Cyclopentolate in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Cyclopentolate shortage has been ongoing since 2023, and while the situation has stabilized somewhat, it hasn't fully resolved. Stock remains inconsistent across the country, and patients should be prepared with backup plans.

The most important thing: don't skip your eye exam because of the shortage. Effective alternatives like Tropicamide and Atropine exist, and your eye doctor can adapt. Use tools like Medfinder to stay informed about availability, and talk to your provider about which dilating drop is right for you.

More helpful resources:

• Alternatives to Cyclopentolate
• Cyclopentolate side effects: What to expect
• What is Cyclopentolate? Uses, dosage, and more