How to Find Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips)

You have a prescription for Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim eye drops. Your pharmacy says they're out of stock. Now what? This guide walks you through exactly how to track down this medication — without spending your afternoon on hold with a dozen pharmacies.

Why Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim Can Be Out of Stock

The supply picture for Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim (brand name: Polytrim) improved significantly in late 2024 after Bausch Health and Sandoz stepped in following Akorn's closure in 2023. But individual pharmacy stock still varies. Because each pharmacy orders from different wholesalers, one location may have plenty of stock while another nearby is completely out. This is a distribution issue, not a manufacturing crisis — and it's solvable with the right approach.

Step 1: Use medfinder to Search Pharmacy Stock Near You

The fastest way to find Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim is to let someone else make the calls for you. medfinder is a service that calls pharmacies near your location to check which ones have your medication in stock. You provide your medication, dosage, and zip code — medfinder does the work, and you get the results texted to you. It's a significant time-saver when supply is scattered across locations.

Step 2: Call Ahead Before You Go

If you prefer to call yourself, have the following information ready before you call pharmacies:

Drug name: Polymyxin B Sulfate / Trimethoprim Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution

Strength: 10,000 units/mL polymyxin B + 1 mg/mL trimethoprim

Quantity: 10 mL bottle

Brand name: Polytrim (generic versions from Bausch or Sandoz are acceptable)

Step 3: Try Independent Pharmacies

Chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid purchase through large centralized wholesalers — meaning if the wholesaler is backordered, every store in the chain may be out at once. Independent pharmacies purchase from a broader range of distributors and often maintain different inventory. If the chains near you are out, independent pharmacies are frequently your best second option.

Step 4: Ask Your Pharmacy to Order It

Pharmacies can typically special-order medications that are available from their wholesaler but just not in their current stock. If your regular pharmacy is out but can order it, ask how quickly they can get it — many pharmacies can get a special order within 24–48 hours. Since Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim is now actively manufactured by Bausch and Sandoz, this is often a viable option.

Step 5: Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

If you've exhausted nearby options and need treatment quickly, talk to your prescriber about switching to an alternative antibiotic eye drop. Fluoroquinolone options like ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) or moxifloxacin (Vigamox) treat the same types of bacterial eye infections. Read our full guide on alternatives to Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim for a complete breakdown.

Tips to Avoid Stock-Out Delays in the Future

Fill your prescription the same day it's prescribed — eye infections move quickly and waiting 24 hours can make finding stock harder.

Ask your doctor to note on the prescription that either generic manufacturer (Bausch or Sandoz) is acceptable — this gives pharmacists more flexibility.

If you've had stock issues before, ask your pharmacist to proactively alert you if their supply runs low before a refill.

The Bottom Line

Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim is available in 2026 — you just need to know where to look. Using a pharmacy search tool, calling independent pharmacies, or asking for a special order are your best strategies. To understand the root cause of past shortages, read why Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim has been hard to find.