Wondering why cefpodoxime is so hard to find in 2026? Learn the reasons behind the shortage, what's driving limited supply, and how to find it in stock.
If you've been told your pharmacy is out of cefpodoxime, you're not alone. Thousands of patients across the country have been struggling to fill their prescriptions for this common antibiotic. Whether your doctor prescribed it for a sinus infection, ear infection, or urinary tract infection, hearing "we don't have it in stock" can be incredibly frustrating — especially when you're feeling sick and need relief fast.
In this article, we'll break down exactly what cefpodoxime is, why it's been so hard to find, and what you can do about it in 2026.
Cefpodoxime proxetil (formerly sold under the brand name Vantin) is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from building their cell walls, which kills the bacteria and clears the infection. Doctors prescribe it for a wide range of common infections, including:
It comes as a tablet (100 mg and 200 mg) and an oral suspension (liquid) for children. The tablets are taken with food for better absorption, typically every 12 hours for 5 to 14 days depending on the infection. To learn more about how it works, check out our guide on how cefpodoxime works.
There are several reasons cefpodoxime has been difficult to locate at pharmacies. Here are the main factors:
The liquid form of cefpodoxime — which is essential for young children who can't swallow tablets — has been on the ASHP drug shortage list on and off since 2018. Aurobindo, one of the major manufacturers, discontinued its cefpodoxime oral suspension, leaving fewer suppliers to meet demand. When one manufacturer drops out, the remaining companies often can't ramp up production fast enough to fill the gap.
The brand-name version, Vantin, was discontinued years ago. Today, only a handful of generic manufacturers (including Sandoz, Lupin, and Teva) produce cefpodoxime. With so few companies making the drug, any production hiccup — a raw material delay, a factory inspection issue, or a quality control problem — can cause shortages across the entire market.
Like many generic medications, the raw ingredients for cefpodoxime are often manufactured overseas. Global supply chain issues — from shipping delays to regulatory holdups at manufacturing facilities — have contributed to inconsistent availability. These problems have affected many antibiotics, not just cefpodoxime.
Cefpodoxime is commonly prescribed for ear infections, sinus infections, and bronchitis — conditions that spike during cold and flu season. When demand surges in the fall and winter months, pharmacies that normally stock the drug can run out quickly, making it even harder to find.
The good news is that you have several options if your pharmacy doesn't have cefpodoxime in stock:
Tools like Medfinder let you search for cefpodoxime availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check stock online and find the closest location that has your medication ready.
Big chain pharmacies often run out of medications faster because they serve more patients. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have better luck sourcing cefpodoxime — or they may be able to order it directly from a wholesaler for you.
If cefpodoxime truly isn't available anywhere near you, your doctor can prescribe an alternative antibiotic. Other third-generation cephalosporins like cefdinir (Omnicef) or cefixime (Suprax) treat many of the same infections. For more options, see our article on alternatives to cefpodoxime.
Shortages are often temporary. Ask your pharmacist when they expect their next shipment. Some pharmacies will put you on a waiting list and call you when the drug arrives.
In general, cefpodoxime tablets are easier to find than the oral suspension. The ASHP shortage listing has primarily affected the liquid formulation. If you're an adult who was prescribed the liquid form, ask your doctor if switching to tablets is an option. For children who need the suspension, your pharmacist may be able to locate it at a nearby pharmacy or suggest a compounding pharmacy that can prepare it.
Cefpodoxime is a safe, effective antibiotic that doctors have trusted for decades. Unfortunately, supply issues — driven by manufacturer exits, limited generic competition, and supply chain challenges — have made it harder to find in 2026, especially the liquid form. But with tools like Medfinder, a willingness to check independent pharmacies, and open communication with your doctor, you can still get the medication you need.
For more tips on tracking down your prescription, read our guide on how to find cefpodoxime in stock near you. And if cost is a concern, check out how to save money on cefpodoxime.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
