Don't Want to Call Every Pharmacy? You Don't Have To.

You've got a prescription for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone (Cipro HC Otic) ear drops, and now you need to actually find them. If you've already tried one or two pharmacies only to hear "we don't have that in stock," you know how frustrating the process can be — especially when your ear is throbbing.

The good news: there are ways to check pharmacy stock without picking up the phone. Here's how to find Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone quickly and efficiently in 2026.

Why It Can Be Hard to Find

Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone is a niche otic (ear) medication. Unlike common antibiotics that every pharmacy keeps in large quantities, ear drops with this specific combination aren't always sitting on the shelf. A few reasons why:

• It was a single-source brand for 27+ years — Cipro HC Otic had no generic until Cosette Pharmaceuticals launched one in December 2025, meaning supply was limited to one manufacturer.
• Lower demand — Swimmer's ear is seasonal and less common than conditions like sinus infections or strep throat, so pharmacies may not keep it in regular stock.
• New generic still ramping up — While the generic is now available, distribution is still scaling in early 2026.

For a deeper dive, see our article: Why Is Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone So Hard to Find?

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is designed specifically to help you find medications that are hard to locate. Enter your medication name and zip code, and Medfinder shows you which pharmacies near you have Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone in stock — or can order it quickly. It's free to use and saves you the hassle of calling around.

2. Check Pharmacy Apps and Websites

Many major pharmacy chains let you check stock or request a transfer through their apps:

• CVS — Use the CVS app or website to check prescription status and request transfers between locations.
• Walgreens — The Walgreens app shows prescription status and lets you search for medications at nearby locations.
• Walmart Pharmacy — Walmart's pharmacy site lets you manage prescriptions and check if your medication is ready or available.
• Rite Aid / Amazon Pharmacy — These platforms also allow online prescription management.

While these apps don't always show real-time inventory for every medication, they can give you a quick sense of whether your prescription can be filled at a particular location.

3. Use GoodRx to See Pricing and Availability

GoodRx is primarily a coupon and price-comparison tool, but it can also help you gauge availability. If a pharmacy shows a current price for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone on GoodRx, it's a strong signal they carry it or can get it. You can also use GoodRx coupons to save — brand Cipro HC may come down to $130 to $350 with a discount card, and the generic may be significantly less.

4. Try SingleCare or RxSaver

Similar to GoodRx, platforms like SingleCare and RxSaver let you search for your medication, compare prices at nearby pharmacies, and get discount coupons. If a pharmacy appears in results with pricing, they likely have it in stock or can order it.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a quick phone call is the fastest route. Here are tips to make it efficient:

• Call the pharmacy directly — Use the pharmacy's direct line, not the store's main number, to avoid being transferred.
• Ask specifically — Say: "Do you currently have Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone otic suspension in stock? That's the generic for Cipro HC Otic." Being specific helps the technician find it quickly.
• Ask about ordering — If they don't have it, ask: "Can you order it? How long would that take?" Many pharmacies can get it within 1 to 2 business days.
• Try independent pharmacies — Smaller, independent pharmacies sometimes carry niche medications that chain pharmacies don't stock regularly.

Once You Find It

When you locate a pharmacy that has Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone in stock:

• Have your prescription sent there — Ask your doctor's office to send the prescription electronically, or request a transfer from a pharmacy that doesn't have it.
• Pick it up promptly — Pharmacies may only hold prescriptions for a limited time, and stock on niche medications can move fast.
• Ask about the generic — If cost is a concern, ask the pharmacist to fill it with the Cosette generic (launched December 2025), which is estimated at $70 to $150 compared to $350 to $480 for brand-name Cipro HC.
• Use a discount card — Even with insurance, a coupon from GoodRx or SingleCare may lower your copay. For more savings tips, check our guide to saving money on Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone.

Final Thoughts

Finding Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone doesn't have to mean an afternoon of phone calls. Online tools like Medfinder, pharmacy apps, and discount platforms can help you locate this medication quickly — so you can start treating your ear infection sooner. With the new generic now on the market, availability should continue improving throughout 2026.