Provider Briefing: Tobradex Availability in 2026

If your patients are reporting difficulty filling Tobradex (Tobramycin 0.3%/Dexamethasone 0.1%) prescriptions, you're not alone in hearing this. While Tobradex is not currently listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage databases, real-world availability at the pharmacy level remains inconsistent across many regions.

This article provides a concise overview of the current Tobradex landscape — availability status, prescribing considerations, cost factors, and tools you can use to improve patient access.

Timeline: Tobradex Supply Context

Tobradex has been on the U.S. market since the 1990s, manufactured by Novartis and distributed by Alcon. Key developments:

• Generic approval: Generic Tobramycin/Dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension has been available for several years, with multiple manufacturers now producing it
• Tobradex ST: A lower-concentration formulation (Dexamethasone 0.05%) was introduced to offer an option with potentially fewer steroid-related side effects
• No official shortage: As of February 2026, neither the FDA nor ASHP lists Tobradex or its generic equivalent as being in shortage
• Intermittent availability issues: Despite no formal shortage, pharmacy-level stock-outs have been reported nationally, driven by supply chain fragility in the sterile ophthalmic manufacturing sector

Prescribing Implications

The availability landscape has several practical implications for prescribers:

Generic Substitution

Unless there is a clinical reason to specify brand-name Tobradex, prescribing generic Tobramycin/Dexamethasone improves the likelihood of the patient filling their prescription. Generic versions are:

• Therapeutically equivalent (AB-rated)
• Significantly more affordable ($28–$55 vs. $200–$350)
• More widely stocked at retail pharmacies

Avoid writing "dispense as written" (DAW) for Tobradex unless clinically necessary, as this can create unnecessary barriers to access.

Formulation Considerations

If the standard suspension is unavailable, consider:

• Tobradex ointment: May be in stock when drops are not; appropriate for nighttime use or when longer contact time is desired
• Tobradex ST: Lower dexamethasone concentration (0.05%); may be preferred when a less potent steroid is appropriate
• Separate prescriptions: Individual Tobramycin drops + Prednisolone Acetate or Dexamethasone drops can replicate the combination therapy when no combination product is available

Alternative Combination Products

When Tobradex is unavailable, the following alternatives may be considered based on clinical scenario:

• Maxitrol (Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Dexamethasone): Broader Gram-negative coverage; higher neomycin allergy risk (~8%). Generic widely available at $15–$40
• Zylet (Tobramycin/Loteprednol): Same antibiotic, softer steroid with lower IOP elevation risk. Brand-name pricing ($200–$400+)
• Pred-G (Gentamicin/Prednisolone): Alternative aminoglycoside/steroid combination. Generic available at $20–$50

For a patient-facing comparison, direct patients to: Alternatives to Tobradex If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Availability Picture

Current availability varies significantly by geography and pharmacy type:

• Chain pharmacies: Stock levels are often minimal for specialty ophthalmic products; stock-outs are common
• Independent pharmacies: Often have more flexible wholesaler relationships and may be able to source Tobradex more quickly
• Hospital/clinic pharmacies: Generally maintain more reliable stock of ophthalmic combination products
• Mail-order: A viable option for non-urgent prescriptions; typically have broader inventory

Cost and Access Considerations

Cost remains a significant barrier for many patients:

• Brand Tobradex: $200–$350 (suspension), $290+ (ointment), $149+ (ST)
• Generic: $28–$55 with discount card
• Insurance: Most plans cover the generic with low copays ($10–$30). Brand may require prior authorization or step therapy
• Patient assistance: Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation and Alcon payment assistance programs are available for qualifying uninsured/underinsured patients

Encourage patients to use discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare) when paying out of pocket for the generic. For more, see: How to Help Patients Save Money on Tobradex: A Provider's Guide.

Tools and Resources for Your Practice

Several tools can help streamline access for your patients:

• Medfinder for Providers: Real-time pharmacy availability search — direct patients here or use it in your workflow to identify pharmacies with stock before sending the prescription
• E-prescribing to specific pharmacies: If you identify a pharmacy with stock via Medfinder, send the prescription directly there
• Prior authorization support: For brand-name Tobradex, have your team ready with documentation for PA requests if the generic is not appropriate

Looking Ahead

The ophthalmic generics market continues to expand, which should improve long-term availability. Key trends to watch:

• Additional generic manufacturers entering the Tobramycin/Dexamethasone market
• Ongoing FDA scrutiny of sterile manufacturing facilities, which may temporarily affect supply
• Growing adoption of pharmacy availability tools that help match patients with in-stock pharmacies

Final Thoughts

While Tobradex is not in an official shortage, the practical reality is that many patients struggle to fill this prescription. Prescribing generic when possible, considering alternative formulations, and leveraging tools like Medfinder can meaningfully improve your patients' experience.

For patient-facing resources you can share, see:

• Tobradex Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026
• How to Find Tobradex in Stock Near You
• How to Save Money on Tobradex