Your Pharmacy Is Out of Augmentin—Now What?

You've got a sinus infection, an ear infection, or maybe your child has been prescribed Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate) by their pediatrician. You drive to the pharmacy, wait in line, and then hear: "Sorry, we're out of stock."

This scenario has become all too common. Augmentin—one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics in America—has faced recurring shortages since 2022. But being told your pharmacy doesn't have it doesn't mean you're out of options.

Here are three practical strategies to find Augmentin in stock near you—starting right now.

Tip #1: Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock in Real Time

The fastest way to find Augmentin is to stop calling pharmacies one by one and use a tool that checks stock for you.

Medfinder lets you search for Augmentin by your location and shows you which pharmacies near you currently have it available. Instead of spending an hour on the phone, you get answers in seconds.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Enter "Augmentin" or "Amoxicillin/Clavulanate" and your zip code
3. See a list of nearby pharmacies with current stock status
4. Call to confirm and have your prescription transferred if needed

This is especially helpful if you're looking for the liquid suspension, which is the hardest formulation to find during shortages. For more on how to check stock at a specific pharmacy, see our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Augmentin in stock.

Tip #2: Check Independent and Compounding Pharmacies

When a drug is in shortage, the big chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) tend to run out first. They serve the largest number of patients, so their stock depletes quickly.

Independent pharmacies—the locally owned shops in your neighborhood—often fly under the radar. They may order from different distributors or carry stock that the chains don't have. Compounding pharmacies can sometimes prepare Amoxicillin/Clavulanate suspensions from raw ingredients when manufactured versions aren't available.

Tips for finding independent pharmacies:

• Search "independent pharmacy near me" on Google Maps
• Ask your doctor's office—they often know which local pharmacies have stock
• Check with hospital outpatient pharmacies, which may have different supply chains

Tip #3: Fill Your Prescription at Off-Peak Times

Pharmacy stock is replenished on regular schedules—usually with deliveries arriving early in the morning. If you can, try to fill your prescription:

• Early in the morning right when the pharmacy opens, especially on delivery days
• Early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) rather than Friday or Saturday
• Outside of peak flu season if your condition allows any flexibility in timing

This won't guarantee availability, but it improves your odds of catching stock before it runs out.

What If You Still Can't Find Augmentin?

If you've tried everything above and still can't find Augmentin, don't panic. You have options:

Ask About a Different Formulation

Augmentin comes in several forms: 250/125 mg tablets, 500/125 mg tablets, 875/125 mg tablets, extended-release tablets (XR), chewable tablets, and multiple suspension strengths. If one form is out of stock, another may be available. Your pharmacist can check and coordinate with your doctor on a substitution.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

Several other antibiotics can treat the same infections as Augmentin. Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor might consider Cefdinir, Azithromycin, Levofloxacin, or even plain Amoxicillin for certain infections. Read more in our article on alternatives to Augmentin.

Have Your Prescription Transferred

If you find a pharmacy that has Augmentin in stock through Medfinder or by calling around, your current pharmacy can transfer the prescription electronically. You don't need a new prescription from your doctor in most cases.

Consider Telehealth for a Faster New Prescription

If your original prescription can't be filled anywhere and you need to switch medications, a telehealth visit can be the fastest way to get a new prescription. Many telehealth providers can see you the same day and send a new prescription to a pharmacy that has stock. Learn more about finding a doctor who can prescribe Augmentin.

Don't Forget: Save Money While You Search

When you do find Augmentin, make sure you're not overpaying. The cash price for generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate ranges from about $15 to $97 for 20 tablets without insurance, but discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, and others can bring the price down to $9–$20. Check out our guide on how to save money on Augmentin for the latest tips.

Final Thoughts

Finding Augmentin during a shortage takes a little extra effort, but the right tools make it much easier. Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability, branch out to independent pharmacies, and time your fill strategically. If all else fails, your doctor can help you find an effective alternative.

The shortage won't last forever—but in the meantime, these tips can help you get the medication you need when you need it.