Iopidine Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been struggling to get your Iopidine (Apraclonidine) prescription filled, you may be wondering whether there's an official shortage — and what you can do about it. In this updated guide, we'll break down the current availability of Iopidine, explain why it can be hard to find, and share the latest on pricing and options for patients in 2026.

Is Iopidine Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Iopidine (Apraclonidine) is not formally listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage databases. This means there is no officially recognized national shortage. However, that doesn't tell the full story.

Iopidine is a niche ophthalmic medication with a small number of manufacturers. Even without a formal shortage listing, many patients and pharmacies report difficulty obtaining it. This is because:

• Only a few companies make generic Apraclonidine
• Many retail pharmacies don't routinely stock it due to low demand
• Intermittent supply disruptions can cause regional stockouts

So while Iopidine isn't technically "in shortage" by official definitions, the practical experience for many patients is that it's hard to find. For tips on locating it, see our guide on how to find Iopidine in stock near you.

Why Is Iopidine Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to Iopidine's limited availability:

Limited Manufacturer Base

Unlike widely used medications that are made by dozens of generic manufacturers, Apraclonidine has only a handful of producers. When any one manufacturer experiences production issues, the ripple effects are felt more acutely. Alcon, the original brand manufacturer, still distributes Iopidine 1% for surgical use, but the 0.5% formulation relies heavily on generic suppliers.

Low Demand = Low Pharmacy Stock

Iopidine is prescribed almost exclusively by ophthalmologists and optometrists for specific, often short-term uses. Most retail pharmacies don't fill Apraclonidine prescriptions frequently enough to justify keeping it in regular inventory. This means even when supply exists at the wholesale level, your local pharmacy may not have it.

Supply Chain Challenges

The pharmaceutical supply chain continues to face pressure from raw material costs, manufacturing quality requirements, and distribution logistics. Niche medications like Iopidine are especially vulnerable to these disruptions because there's less economic incentive for manufacturers to maintain large buffer stocks.

How Much Does Iopidine Cost in 2026?

The cost of Iopidine varies significantly depending on whether you're buying brand-name or generic, and whether you have insurance or use a discount coupon:

• Brand-name Iopidine: The retail cash price ranges from about $58 for the 1% surgical formulation to $183 or more for the 0.5% solution.
• Generic Apraclonidine 0.5%: The average retail price is around $86-$128 for a 5 mL bottle without insurance.
• With discount coupons: Generic Apraclonidine can cost as little as $13-$15 with a GoodRx coupon, or around $68 with a SingleCare coupon.

For a full breakdown of ways to save, check out our guide on how to save money on Iopidine in 2026.

Are There New Options for Patients?

While no new formulations of Apraclonidine have been released recently, patients do have several options if they can't find or afford Iopidine:

Generic Apraclonidine

If your prescription is written for brand-name Iopidine, talk to your pharmacist about filling it with the generic version. Generic Apraclonidine is the same active ingredient and is often easier to source and significantly cheaper.

Alternative Medications

Several other eye drops can serve similar functions:

• Brimonidine (Alphagan P) — The closest alternative; same drug class, widely available, better long-term tolerance.
• Timolol (Timoptic) — A proven beta-blocker eye drop for IOP management.
• Latanoprost (Xalatan) — A prostaglandin analog with powerful once-daily IOP reduction.
• Dorzolamide (Trusopt) — A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor option.

Read more about these options in our detailed post on alternatives to Iopidine.

Discount Programs

Even without insurance, you can significantly reduce the cost of Apraclonidine with free prescription discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver. The Alcon Cares Patient Assistance Program may also help eligible uninsured patients access Alcon medications at no cost.

How to Find Iopidine in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective steps you can take today:

1. Search on Medfinder — Check real-time pharmacy availability in your area.
2. Call independent pharmacies — They're more likely to stock or quickly order specialty eye medications.
3. Ask your pharmacist to special-order it — Most pharmacies can get it within 1-2 business days through their wholesaler.
4. Contact your ophthalmologist — They may know which local pharmacies carry it or can suggest an available alternative.
5. Consider mail-order — Some insurance plans' mail-order pharmacies may have better access to Apraclonidine.

Final Thoughts

While Iopidine is not in an official shortage in 2026, its limited manufacturer base and niche status mean that finding it at your local pharmacy can still be a challenge. The key is to be proactive: use tools like Medfinder, explore independent pharmacies, and talk to your eye doctor about alternatives if needed.

For more information, see our guides on why Iopidine is hard to find, what Iopidine is and how it's used, and Iopidine drug interactions.