Wondering why Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment is so hard to find in 2026? Learn the reasons behind the shortage and what you can do.
If you've been told your prescription for Bacitracin/Polymyxin B ophthalmic ointment is out of stock, you're not alone. Thousands of patients across the country have been dealing with the same frustration since mid-2024. Whether your doctor prescribed it for pink eye, a stye, or another bacterial eye infection, the shortage has made this once-common antibiotic ointment surprisingly difficult to get.
In this article, we'll explain what Bacitracin/Polymyxin B is, why it's been so hard to find, and what steps you can take to get the treatment you need.
Bacitracin/Polymyxin B is a combination antibiotic ointment used to treat bacterial infections of the eye. You may know it by its brand names, including Polysporin Ophthalmic, AK-Poly-Bac, and Polycin. It contains two antibiotics that work together:
Together, they provide broad-spectrum coverage against many of the most common bacteria that cause eye infections. The ointment comes in a small 3.5-gram tube and is applied directly to the lower eyelid. It's been a go-to treatment for conditions like bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and keratitis for decades.
To learn more about how this drug works, check out our guide on how Bacitracin/Polymyxin B works.
There are several reasons why patients are struggling to fill their Bacitracin/Polymyxin B prescriptions in 2026:
In July 2024, Padagis — one of the main manufacturers of bacitracin ophthalmic ointment — temporarily discontinued production of their 3.5-gram tubes. The company has estimated that product won't be available again until October 2026. Since Padagis was a major supplier, this created a significant gap in the market.
Unlike many common medications that have dozens of generic manufacturers, bacitracin ophthalmic products have always had a relatively small number of suppliers. When even one manufacturer drops out, the remaining companies can't always ramp up production fast enough to meet demand.
Bacitracin is a polypeptide antibiotic produced through bacterial fermentation. The production process is more complex than synthesizing many other drugs, and disruptions in the supply of raw materials or manufacturing components can ripple through the entire supply chain.
As the shortage has continued, patients and pharmacies have been stockpiling when they can find it. This hoarding behavior — while understandable — makes the shortage worse for everyone. Some pharmacies that do get small shipments sell out within hours.
Don't give up. There are several practical steps you can take:
Tools like Medfinder can help you check which pharmacies near you currently have Bacitracin/Polymyxin B in stock. This saves you the time and frustration of calling around.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different antibiotic eye medication. Options include Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Tobramycin (Tobrex), or Ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan) eye drops. Read our full guide on alternatives to Bacitracin/Polymyxin B.
Large chain pharmacies often run out first because they serve more patients. Independent and compounding pharmacies may have better availability. Some compounding pharmacies can even prepare equivalent formulations.
Pharmacies receive new shipments throughout the week. If your preferred pharmacy is out of stock, ask them when they expect their next delivery and call back at that time. For more tips, see our guide on how to find Bacitracin/Polymyxin B in stock near you.
If you use Bacitracin/Polymyxin B regularly, let your doctor know about the shortage. They can write prescriptions for alternative medications before your current supply runs out.
Padagis has estimated that their bacitracin ophthalmic ointment will be back on the market by October 2026. However, these dates are estimates and have shifted before. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and work with manufacturers to address the shortage.
For the latest updates, see our Bacitracin/Polymyxin B shortage update for 2026.
The Bacitracin/Polymyxin B shortage has been a real headache for patients dealing with eye infections. The combination of manufacturer shutdowns, limited suppliers, and supply chain challenges has created a perfect storm. But you have options — from using tools like Medfinder to check pharmacy stock, to working with your doctor on alternative treatments.
Don't wait until you're out of medication to start looking. Being proactive is the best way to make sure you get the care you need.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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