Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been searching for Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate at your local pharmacy and coming up empty, you're probably wondering: is this an official drug shortage? Here's the most current information available for 2026, along with practical steps to help you get your medication.

Current Shortage Status: Oral E.E.S. Not on FDA Shortage List

As of 2026, oral Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (E.E.S. tablets and suspension) is not on the FDA's official Drug Shortage List. The drug continues to be manufactured by multiple companies including Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Carnegie Pharmaceuticals.

However, there is an important distinction to make: Erythromycin Lactobionate for injection (the IV form used in hospitals) has been on the ASHP drug shortage list since April 2025, with Nexus estimating a return in Q3 2026. That's a completely different formulation from the oral E.E.S. that outpatient patients are typically prescribed.

Why Are Patients Still Having Trouble Finding It?

Even when a drug isn't in an official shortage, real-world availability can be inconsistent. Here are the key factors driving patient difficulty finding Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate in 2026:

Declining prescription volume. As azithromycin became the dominant macrolide over the past 20 years, E.E.S. prescriptions dropped significantly. Many chain pharmacies no longer consider it worth stocking routinely.

Limited number of manufacturers. Because profit margins on old generics like E.E.S. are thin, few manufacturers actively produce it. This creates supply chain fragility.

Suspension storage requirements. The oral suspension must be prepared from granules and has a limited shelf life after reconstitution — making pharmacies less likely to keep it in stock.

Seasonal demand spikes. During whooping cough outbreaks or cold and flu season, demand for erythromycin can spike unexpectedly, temporarily depleting stock at pharmacies that do carry it.

Historical Context: Has E.E.S. Been in Shortage Before?

Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate has experienced intermittent availability challenges over the years — not always rising to the level of an official FDA shortage, but causing frustration for patients who need it. The broader erythromycin family has been affected by manufacturing consolidation as the market has shifted to newer macrolides. The most significant recent shortage affected the injectable formulation (lactobionate), not the oral formulations used by most patients.

What Patients Should Do Right Now

If you have a prescription for Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate and can't find it:

Don't assume it's unavailable everywhere. Independent pharmacies are more likely to have it than chain pharmacies.

Use medfinder. medfinder contacts pharmacies in your area to find which ones have your medication in stock.

Ask your pharmacy to order it. If your need isn't immediate, most pharmacies can order Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate within 1–3 business days.

Talk to your prescriber about alternatives. Azithromycin covers most of the same indications and is widely available.

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Are Specific E.E.S. Formulations More Affected Than Others?

Based on patient reports and pharmacy availability patterns, the oral suspension formulations (200mg/5mL and 400mg/5mL) tend to be harder to find than the 400mg film-coated tablets. This is because:

Suspensions require more handling and storage management than tablets

Pediatric liquid antibiotics are prescribed in shorter courses and stocked in smaller quantities

Demand for pediatric suspensions can spike unpredictably during illness seasons

Need Help Finding It Now?

Rather than calling every pharmacy in your area, use medfinder to locate Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate in stock near you. Enter your medication, dosage, and location — medfinder does the calling and texts you the results.

If you'd prefer to know your options if E.E.S. truly can't be found, read our guide on alternatives to Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate.