Vistaril Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) has been the subject of shortage notices since 2019, but the situation in 2026 is more nuanced than a simple yes-or-no answer. This update covers the current availability status, what's driving the issues, and exactly what you need to do to fill your prescription.

Is Vistaril in Shortage in 2026?

Here is the current status as of 2026:

Brand-name Vistaril (Pfizer): Pfizer is no longer marketing branded Vistaril capsules or oral suspension. You will not find the original Pfizer Vistaril at a pharmacy.

Generic hydroxyzine pamoate capsules: Available from multiple manufacturers including Amneal, Teva, Sandoz, and Chartwell. The ASHP maintains a shortage bulletin for this formulation, reflecting ongoing but manageable supply variability.

Generic hydroxyzine HCl tablets: Generally widely available from multiple manufacturers. Not listed on current shortage databases.

Hydroxyzine injectable: Has faced persistent shortage due to American Regent being the sole U.S. supplier, with manufacturing delays reported. This affects hospitals and surgical centers more than retail pharmacy patients.

Why Has This Shortage Been Going On Since 2019?

The ASHP first listed hydroxyzine pamoate capsules on its shortage database in March 2019, primarily triggered by Pfizer's decision to stop marketing the branded product. When the originator manufacturer exits a market, it can temporarily disrupt supply as generic manufacturers ramp up and establish consistent distribution channels.

A secondary complication arose in September 2021, when Avet Pharmaceuticals' hydroxyzine pamoate capsules had their FDA Orange Book rating changed from AB to BX — meaning they were no longer considered therapeutically equivalent to Vistaril capsules. This created additional complexity for pharmacists performing generic substitutions.

The broader context also matters: demand for non-controlled anxiolytics like hydroxyzine has grown significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, as anxiety rates have remained elevated. Higher demand on a supply chain that was already adjusting created localized stock-outs at pharmacies.

What Strengths and Forms Are Most Affected?

Based on available information, here's how different forms compare:

Hydroxyzine pamoate 25 mg capsules: Subject to the most variability given the ASHP shortage bulletin; multiple generics do exist.

Hydroxyzine pamoate 50 mg capsules: Similar situation to 25 mg; check multiple pharmacies.

Hydroxyzine pamoate oral suspension: Harder to find; may require a compounding pharmacy for some patients.

Hydroxyzine HCl 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg tablets: Generally widely available; not subject to the same shortage issues.

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

Ask your pharmacist to check for any generic hydroxyzine pamoate in stock, not just a specific brand.

Ask your prescriber if hydroxyzine HCl tablets are an acceptable substitute — they are clinically equivalent and more widely available.

Try multiple pharmacies — availability varies significantly across locations.

Use medfinder to have pharmacies called on your behalf rather than doing it yourself.

If hydroxyzine is chronically unavailable in your area, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.

When Will the Vistaril Shortage Resolve?

The brand-name Vistaril shortage is, in a sense, permanent — Pfizer has stopped marketing the product. What remains is a generic market with multiple suppliers, which is generally stable but subject to distribution variability. The overall outlook for oral hydroxyzine is that supply will remain adequate but uneven, with localized availability gaps persisting in some areas.

If you're a provider looking for clinical guidance on managing your patients during this shortage, see our Vistaril shortage guide for providers.