A provider's guide to helping patients find Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone (Cipro HC) in stock. Practical steps, alternatives, and workflow tips for 2026.
Acute otitis externa requires timely treatment. When you prescribe Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone (Cipro HC Otic) and your patient calls back saying the pharmacy doesn't have it, the clock is ticking. Delayed treatment means prolonged pain, potential complications, and frustrated patients.
This guide provides a practical framework for helping patients access Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone — or a suitable alternative — as efficiently as possible.
As of early 2026, the availability picture has improved but remains uneven:
For a comprehensive supply update, see our provider shortage briefing.
Understanding the barriers helps you troubleshoot effectively:
The single most impactful step you can take is checking pharmacy availability before the patient leaves your office. Medfinder for Providers allows you to search pharmacy inventory by medication and location, helping you send the prescription to a pharmacy that actually has it.
This eliminates the common frustration cycle: patient goes to pharmacy → medication unavailable → patient calls your office → you send to a different pharmacy → repeat.
Ensure your prescription allows generic substitution. In most states, this is the default unless you specifically indicate "Dispense As Written." Explicitly noting that generic is acceptable can help the pharmacist fill with the Cosette generic, which is more likely to be in stock and is significantly more affordable.
Before the patient leaves, discuss a contingency plan. If the pharmacy can't fill Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone within 24 hours, you or your staff can quickly send an alternative:
Some providers proactively send two prescriptions: the preferred medication and an alternative, instructing the patient to fill whichever is available first.
Guide patients toward independent pharmacies when chain pharmacies don't have the medication. Independent pharmacies:
If cost is a concern, equip patients with savings options before they get to the pharmacy:
Quick reference for prescribing decisions when Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone is unavailable:
Detailed patient-facing information on alternatives is available at this guide.
In your e-prescribing system, save Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone along with 2-3 alternatives as favorites. This allows rapid prescribing if the first choice is unavailable.
Train front desk and nursing staff to:
AOE prescribing peaks May through September. Consider:
Consider providing patients with a printed or digital resource listing:
The addition of a generic Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone in late 2025 is improving the access landscape, but the transition isn't instantaneous. By proactively checking stock, having alternatives ready, and equipping patients with tools like Medfinder for Providers, you can minimize treatment delays and reduce patient frustration.
For a broader supply overview and timeline, see our provider shortage briefing for 2026. For cost-related guidance to share with patients, see our provider's guide to helping patients save money.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
