Find out why Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (Augmentin) is so hard to find in 2026. We explain the shortage causes and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate — also known by the brand name Augmentin — you're not alone. Since late 2022, patients across the United States have faced ongoing difficulties filling prescriptions for this widely used antibiotic. In 2026, while the situation has improved for some formulations, certain strengths and forms remain hard to find.
In this article, we'll explain what Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is, why it's been in short supply, and — most importantly — what you can do about it right now.
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is a combination antibiotic that pairs amoxicillin (a penicillin-type drug) with clavulanate (a beta-lactamase inhibitor). Together, they fight a wider range of bacteria than amoxicillin alone. Clavulanate protects amoxicillin from being broken down by certain resistant bacteria.
Doctors prescribe Amoxicillin/Clavulanate for many common infections, including:
It's available as tablets (250/125 mg, 500/125 mg, 875/125 mg), chewable tablets, oral suspension for children, and extended-release tablets (Augmentin XR). The brand name Augmentin is well known, but most prescriptions today are filled with the generic version.
There isn't one single reason for the shortage. Several factors have come together to create the problem:
Multiple generic manufacturers have experienced production issues. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories discontinued their extended-release tablets entirely. Teva Pharmaceuticals has had back-ordered suspension formulations for months. When one manufacturer falls behind, the remaining companies struggle to pick up the slack.
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the country, especially during cold and flu season. When respiratory illness spikes — as it did in the winters of 2022-2023 and again in subsequent years — demand surges beyond what manufacturers can supply.
Many raw ingredients used to make antibiotics are sourced overseas. Disruptions in global supply chains, shipping delays, and quality control issues at ingredient suppliers have all contributed to inconsistent availability.
Not all forms of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate are equally affected. Liquid suspensions (used primarily for children) and extended-release tablets have been hit hardest. Standard tablets like the 875/125 mg strength are generally easier to find, but availability still varies by region and pharmacy.
Here are practical steps you can take right now:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies near you that currently have Amoxicillin/Clavulanate in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online in seconds.
Large chain pharmacies often run out first because they serve the most patients. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have better availability. The FDA has issued guidance allowing compounding of certain beta-lactam products during the shortage.
If your specific formulation isn't available, your doctor may be able to switch you to a different strength, a different form, or a suitable alternative antibiotic like Cefdinir, Cephalexin, or Azithromycin.
Save yourself a trip by calling your pharmacy to confirm they have your medication in stock before you go. You can also ask them to check nearby locations within their network.
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), most amoxicillin products in shortage are expected to return to more normal supply levels through 2026, though some formulations may continue to be intermittently unavailable. The FDA has also approved measures to strengthen domestic antibiotic manufacturing capacity, which should help in the longer term.
The Amoxicillin/Clavulanate shortage has been frustrating for patients and families who depend on this antibiotic. While availability is improving in 2026, certain forms — especially liquid suspensions — may still be hard to find. Your best bet is to use tools like Medfinder to locate pharmacies with stock, talk to your doctor about alternatives if needed, and stay proactive about filling your prescription early.
For the latest shortage updates, check out our Amoxicillin/Clavulanate shortage update for 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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