Tobrex Shortage in 2026: What's Going On?

If you've recently tried to fill a prescription for Tobrex (Tobramycin ophthalmic) and been told it's unavailable, you're part of a growing number of patients affected by ongoing supply issues with ophthalmic antibiotics. In this article, we'll give you an up-to-date picture of the Tobrex shortage, explain what's driving it, and help you figure out your next steps.

Is Tobrex Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Tobrex and generic Tobramycin ophthalmic products continue to face intermittent supply disruptions. While the situation has improved somewhat compared to the worst periods of 2023-2024, availability remains inconsistent. Some pharmacies have steady stock while others experience weeks-long gaps between shipments.

The brand-name Tobrex product has been particularly affected. Because fewer manufacturers produce the brand version, any production issue creates noticeable gaps. Generic Tobramycin, produced by multiple companies, tends to be easier to find — though it's not immune to shortages either.

For real-time availability in your area, check Medfinder.

Why Is Tobrex Hard to Find?

Several factors have combined to create the current supply challenges:

Manufacturing Consolidation

The sterile ophthalmic manufacturing market has consolidated significantly. Fewer facilities produce eye drops and ointments, meaning any single facility shutdown or quality issue can remove a large portion of supply from the market. Sterile manufacturing requires specialized cleanroom environments and equipment, making it difficult for new manufacturers to enter the space quickly.

Quality and Regulatory Issues

The FDA holds sterile ophthalmic products to extremely high standards — and rightfully so, given they're applied directly to the eye. Several manufacturing facilities have faced warning letters, consent decrees, or voluntary shutdowns to address quality concerns. These interruptions can last months and have ripple effects throughout the supply chain.

Raw Material Availability

The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Tobramycin, like many antibiotics, is primarily manufactured overseas. Disruptions in API supply — whether from regulatory actions, geopolitical factors, or simple demand fluctuations — can delay finished product manufacturing.

Seasonal Demand Spikes

Bacterial conjunctivitis is seasonal, with peaks during school years and cold/flu season. These demand surges can temporarily outstrip an already constrained supply.

For a deeper look at availability factors, see our article on why Tobrex is so hard to find.

How Much Does Tobrex Cost in 2026?

Cost is a significant factor for many patients, especially if insurance doesn't cover the brand name. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Brand-name Tobrex: $80 to $200 for a 5 mL bottle (cash price without insurance)
• Generic Tobramycin ophthalmic solution: $15 to $45 for a 5 mL bottle (cash price)
• With insurance: Most plans cover generic Tobramycin on Tier 1 or Tier 2 with copays of $5 to $25

Discount card programs like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver can bring the generic price down to the $10 to $20 range at many pharmacies. For more money-saving strategies, read our guide on how to save money on Tobrex.

Are There New Options or Solutions?

The ophthalmic antibiotic landscape is evolving, and there are a few developments worth noting:

More Generic Manufacturers

The FDA has been working to approve additional generic manufacturers for ophthalmic products, which should help stabilize supply over time. Each new approved manufacturer adds resilience to the supply chain.

Alternative Antibiotics

If you can't find Tobramycin, several other antibiotic eye drops treat the same infections effectively. These include Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan), Moxifloxacin ophthalmic (Vigamox), Polytrim (Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim), and Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Your doctor can help you choose the right alternative. Learn more in our alternatives guide.

Improved Tracking Tools

Tools like Medfinder make it easier than ever to find which pharmacies have ophthalmic antibiotics in stock, reducing the time patients spend searching.

How to Find Tobrex in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies for finding Tobrex or generic Tobramycin today:

1. Search on Medfinder: Check Medfinder.com for real-time availability at pharmacies near you.
2. Ask for the generic: If your prescription is for brand-name Tobrex, generic Tobramycin is the same medication and often easier to find.
3. Try independent pharmacies: They often have access to different wholesalers and may have stock when chains don't.
4. Consider the ointment: If Tobramycin solution is out of stock, the ointment form may be available.
5. Contact your doctor: If you can't find Tobramycin in any form, ask about switching to an alternative antibiotic.

For more detailed tips, see our guide on how to find Tobrex in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Tobrex shortage has been an ongoing challenge, but it's one that patients can navigate with the right information and tools. The key takeaways for 2026 are:

• Supply is inconsistent but not completely unavailable — generic Tobramycin is generally easier to find than the brand
• Multiple effective alternatives exist if Tobramycin is truly unavailable
• Generic pricing is reasonable, especially with discount cards
• Real-time search tools like Medfinder can save you significant time and frustration

Don't delay treatment for a bacterial eye infection. If you can't find Tobrex, reach out to your doctor for an alternative and use Medfinder to check what's available in your area.