Wondering why Bacitracin is hard to find in 2026? Learn about the ophthalmic ointment shortage, what's causing supply issues, and how to find it near you.
Bacitracin is one of those medicine-cabinet staples most people don't think twice about — until it's gone. Whether you're looking for the familiar topical ointment for a scraped knee or your doctor prescribed the ophthalmic version for an eye infection, you may have recently discovered that finding Bacitracin isn't as easy as it used to be.
In 2026, certain forms of Bacitracin are experiencing real supply problems. Let's break down what's going on, which forms are affected, and what you can do right now to get the treatment you need.
Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic that has been around since 1945. It works by blocking bacteria from building their cell walls, which stops infections from spreading. You'll find it in first aid kits across America in several forms:
For a deeper dive into how this drug works, check out our guide on how Bacitracin works.
The answer depends on which form of Bacitracin you're looking for. Here are the main reasons behind current availability issues:
The biggest supply disruption right now involves Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment. Padagis US, a major manufacturer, temporarily discontinued production of the 3.5-gram tubes in early 2025. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the estimated resupply date is October 2026 — meaning this shortage could last approximately 18 months.
This has left ophthalmologists, eye clinics, and patients scrambling for alternatives to treat superficial eye infections.
The FDA requested that all manufacturers voluntarily withdraw Bacitracin for injection from the U.S. market. The injectable form, once used to treat pneumonia and empyema in infants, carried serious risks including nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and anaphylactic reactions. Safer alternatives are now available for those conditions.
Even though topical Bacitracin ointment remains widely available as an OTC product, periodic supply chain issues — from raw material sourcing to manufacturing delays — can cause temporary gaps on pharmacy shelves. When one form goes into shortage, demand pressure can shift to related products.
Bacitracin, especially the ophthalmic version, is produced by a small number of manufacturers. When even one company halts production, the ripple effects are significant. This is a common pattern in drug shortages across the pharmaceutical industry.
If you're having trouble finding Bacitracin, here are some practical steps:
Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to search for Bacitracin availability near you. It's free and can save you hours of phone calls. Learn more in our guide on how to find Bacitracin in stock near you.
If the specific form you need is unavailable, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative. For eye infections, Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is a commonly used substitute. For skin wounds, Mupirocin (Bactroban) is a prescription option, or you can try Polysporin or even plain petroleum jelly, which studies show works well for minor wound healing. Read our full comparison in Alternatives to Bacitracin.
Chain pharmacies often run out of shortage medications first because they serve higher volumes. Independent and compounding pharmacies may still have stock or be able to source it from different distributors.
If you need Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment and can't find it, let your prescriber know. They can adjust your treatment plan and may have information about local availability. See our tips for finding a doctor who can prescribe Bacitracin.
Bacitracin has been a trusted antibiotic for over 80 years, and for the most part, the familiar topical ointment you keep in your medicine cabinet is still available at most pharmacies and drugstores. The real challenge in 2026 is the ophthalmic formulation shortage, which is expected to last until late 2026.
Stay informed, use tools like Medfinder to track availability, and work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment option for your situation. For the latest on the shortage, see our Bacitracin shortage update.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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