Cyclopentolate Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Cyclopentolate Shortage in 2026: Where Do Things Stand?

If you or your child has an eye exam coming up, there's something you should know: Cyclopentolate — the eye drop that doctors use to dilate pupils and relax focusing muscles — has been in short supply for over five years. And while the situation has improved slightly since its worst point, the shortage hasn't fully resolved.

Here's everything patients need to know about the Cyclopentolate shortage in 2026, including the current status, what's driving it, how much it costs, and what you can do to find it.

Is Cyclopentolate Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, the FDA continues to list Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic Solution as currently in shortage. The agency first posted this shortage on November 9, 2020, making it one of the longest-running ophthalmic drug shortages in recent history.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) also tracks this shortage and reports that while some products are available from the remaining manufacturers, supply is inconsistent. Some concentrations and bottle sizes may be available while others are not.

A Brief Timeline of the Shortage

• November 2020: FDA first lists Cyclopentolate as in shortage. Multiple manufacturers report supply disruptions.
• 2021-2022: Availability fluctuates. Eye care providers begin rationing supplies and using alternatives more frequently.
• February 2023: Akorn Pharmaceuticals ceases all operations following bankruptcy. Akorn was a major producer of generic ophthalmic drugs, including Cyclopentolate. This loss significantly worsened the shortage.
• 2023-2024: Remaining manufacturers — Alcon (Cyclogyl brand), Sandoz, and Bausch Health — work to fill the gap, but production capacity is limited.
• 2025-2026: The shortage continues, though supply has become more stable compared to the worst periods. Intermittent availability is the new normal.

Why Is Cyclopentolate Hard to Find?

Several factors are keeping Cyclopentolate in short supply:

• Loss of a major manufacturer: Akorn's shutdown removed a significant portion of the generic Cyclopentolate supply.
• Few remaining producers: Only Alcon, Sandoz, and Bausch Health currently manufacture Cyclopentolate for the U.S. market.
• Specialized manufacturing: Ophthalmic eye drops must be produced in sterile facilities with strict quality controls. Building new capacity takes years.
• Low profitability: Generic Cyclopentolate is inexpensive, making it less financially attractive for new manufacturers to enter the market.

For a deeper explanation, read: Why Is Cyclopentolate So Hard to Find?

How Much Does Cyclopentolate Cost in 2026?

Cyclopentolate is available as a generic medication, which helps keep costs manageable — when you can find it. Here's what to expect:

• Generic Cyclopentolate with a discount coupon: Approximately $12 to $35 for a 2-15 mL bottle, depending on the concentration and pharmacy.
• Retail price without a coupon: About $25 to $60 for generic.
• Brand-name Cyclogyl: Can cost $100 to $200+ without insurance or coupons.

Discount cards from services like SingleCare and GoodRx can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost. For detailed savings strategies, see: How to Save Money on Cyclopentolate in 2026.

Keep in mind that Cyclopentolate is often administered in the doctor's office as part of an eye exam, in which case the cost may be included in your office visit charge rather than filled at a retail pharmacy.

Are There New Options Available?

While no completely new Cyclopentolate products have launched in 2026, there are some developments worth knowing about:

• Sandoz has increased production of its generic Cyclopentolate, helping to stabilize supply in many regions.
• Compounding pharmacies continue to offer Cyclopentolate as a compounded preparation when commercial products are unavailable.
• Combination products like Cyclomydril (Cyclopentolate 0.2%/Phenylephrine 1%), made by Alcon, may be available even when standalone Cyclopentolate is not — though this product has also experienced its own shortage periods.

Your eye doctor may also recommend alternatives like Tropicamide or Atropine depending on the type of exam you need.

How to Find Cyclopentolate in Stock

The availability of Cyclopentolate varies by region and can change from week to week. Here's what you can do:

1. Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies near you that have Cyclopentolate available right now.
2. Call your eye doctor's office before your appointment to confirm they have it in stock for your exam.
3. Try independent pharmacies that may have different supply sources than major chains.
4. Ask about compounding if commercial products are unavailable in your area.
5. Check multiple concentrations — the 0.5%, 1%, and 2% solutions may have different availability.

For a complete guide to finding this medication, read: How to Find Cyclopentolate in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

The Cyclopentolate shortage has been a long and frustrating chapter for patients, parents, and eye care providers alike. While the situation in 2026 is more stable than the worst of 2023, it's still not where it needs to be. The best thing you can do is plan ahead — check availability before your appointment, know your alternatives, and don't hesitate to use tools like Medfinder to track down what you need.

If you're a provider looking for clinical guidance on managing this shortage, read our companion article: Cyclopentolate Shortage: What Providers and Prescribers Need to Know in 2026.