Having Trouble Finding Tobrex? You're Not Alone

You've got an eye infection, your doctor wrote you a prescription for Tobrex (Tobramycin ophthalmic), and your pharmacy says they don't have it. Now what? Unfortunately, this has become a common experience for patients in 2026. Ophthalmic antibiotics like Tobrex have faced ongoing supply challenges, leaving many people scrambling to fill their prescriptions.

The good news is that there are practical strategies that can help you find Tobrex or generic Tobramycin in stock — often faster than you'd expect. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best tools and tips to locate your medication.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock

The single most effective thing you can do is use a real-time medication availability tool. Medfinder lets you search for Tobrex and generic Tobramycin across pharmacies in your area. Instead of spending an hour calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can see which locations have your medication in stock right now.

Here's how to use it:

1. Go to Medfinder.com
2. Search for "Tobrex" or "Tobramycin ophthalmic"
3. Enter your zip code
4. Browse results to find a pharmacy near you with stock

This is especially helpful when you're dealing with a time-sensitive eye infection and can't afford to wait days for a pharmacy to reorder.

For a more detailed walkthrough, check out our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Tobrex in stock.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When chain pharmacies are out of stock, independent pharmacies are often your best bet. Here's why:

• Different supply chains: Independent pharmacies often work with multiple wholesalers, giving them access to inventory that chain stores may not have.
• More flexibility: An independent pharmacist may be able to special-order Tobramycin from an alternative supplier within a day or two.
• Personal service: Independent pharmacists often have more time to help you problem-solve and may even call other locations on your behalf.

Compounding pharmacies are another option. While they typically prepare custom formulations, some can compound Tobramycin ophthalmic solutions if commercial products are unavailable. Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for your situation.

Don't Forget Hospital Outpatient Pharmacies

Hospital-based pharmacies sometimes maintain separate supply chains and may have ophthalmic antibiotics in stock when retail pharmacies don't. If you have a hospital system nearby, it's worth checking their outpatient pharmacy.

Tip 3: Time Your Pharmacy Visits Strategically

Pharmacies receive shipments on regular schedules, and knowing when your pharmacy restocks can give you an advantage:

• Ask about delivery days: Most pharmacies receive shipments from their wholesaler on set days (often 2-3 times per week). Ask your pharmacist when their next delivery is expected.
• Go early: If a pharmacy is expecting Tobramycin in a shipment, visiting early in the day — right after the delivery is processed — gives you the best chance of getting it before it's gone.
• Call ahead: A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip. Call in the morning after a delivery day to ask if Tobramycin came in.

What If You Still Can't Find Tobrex?

If you've tried the tips above and still can't locate Tobrex or generic Tobramycin, here are additional steps:

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

Several other antibiotic eye drops treat the same types of infections. Your doctor may switch you to Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan), Moxifloxacin ophthalmic (Vigamox), Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim (Polytrim), or Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Read more in our article on alternatives to Tobrex.

Ask About the Ointment Form

If the Tobramycin solution (drops) is out of stock, the ointment form may be available. Tobrex ointment contains the same antibiotic at the same concentration. The main difference is that it can blur your vision temporarily after application. Ask your doctor if the ointment form would work for your condition.

Check Nearby Cities

If pharmacies in your immediate area are all out of stock, expanding your search radius by even 15-20 miles can make a difference. Medfinder makes this easy by showing pharmacy availability across a wider geographic area.

Consider Mail-Order Pharmacy

Some mail-order and online pharmacies maintain larger inventories than local retail pharmacies. If your eye infection isn't urgent (for example, if you're using Tobramycin as a prophylactic after surgery and have a few days' lead time), a mail-order pharmacy could be a good option. Check with your insurance plan — many offer mail-order benefits with lower copays.

A Note About Generic vs. Brand-Name

If your prescription says "Tobrex" and your pharmacy only has generic Tobramycin, don't worry. Unless your doctor specifically wrote "Dispense as Written" (DAW) or "Brand Necessary," your pharmacist can fill the prescription with the generic. Generic Tobramycin ophthalmic is the same medication — same active ingredient, same strength (0.3%), same route of administration. It's also significantly less expensive, often costing $15 to $45 compared to $80 to $200 for brand-name Tobrex.

If your prescription does require the brand name and you want to switch to generic, your pharmacist can contact your doctor for a new prescription. This usually takes just a phone call.

Final Thoughts

Finding Tobrex during a shortage can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with a painful eye infection. But with the right tools and a little persistence, most patients can locate their medication or a suitable alternative within a day or two.

Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability, try independent pharmacies, and don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about alternatives if needed. Your eye health is too important to wait.

For more background on why this shortage is happening, see our article on why Tobrex is so hard to find in 2026.