Struggling to find Ciprodex ear drops at your pharmacy? Learn why Ciprodex is hard to find in 2026 and what you can do to get your prescription filled fast.
If you or your child has been prescribed Ciprodex ear drops and you've been told the pharmacy doesn't have it in stock, you're not alone. Many patients across the country have been running into trouble filling their Ciprodex prescriptions — and it can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're dealing with a painful ear infection.
In this article, we'll explain what Ciprodex is, why it's sometimes hard to find, and — most importantly — what you can do about it.
Ciprodex is a prescription ear drop that contains two active ingredients: Ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone antibiotic) and Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid). Together, they fight the bacteria causing your ear infection while reducing the inflammation, swelling, and pain in your ear.
Ciprodex is FDA-approved for two conditions:
It's manufactured by Alcon Laboratories and is one of the most commonly prescribed otic (ear) antibiotic/steroid combinations in the United States. If you want to learn more about the medication itself, check out our guide on what Ciprodex is, its uses, and dosage.
There are several reasons you might be having trouble finding Ciprodex at your local pharmacy. Here are the most common ones:
Ear infections — especially swimmer's ear — are much more common during the spring and summer months. When warm weather hits and people spend more time in the water, prescriptions for Ciprodex surge. Pharmacies that normally keep a few bottles on the shelf can run out quickly during peak season.
The pharmaceutical supply chain has faced ongoing challenges in recent years, from raw material shortages to shipping delays. Even though Ciprodex is not currently listed on the FDA's official drug shortage list, individual pharmacies and distributors can experience localized stock-outs. When a distributor runs low, your pharmacy may not be able to reorder right away.
The good news is that a generic version of Ciprodex (Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone otic suspension) is now available. However, not every pharmacy stocks the generic, and some may only carry the brand-name version — or vice versa. If your pharmacy only has one and not the other, it can feel like the drug is "out of stock" even when an alternative version exists.
Sometimes the problem isn't really about supply — it's about insurance coverage. Your insurance plan might prefer the generic over the brand (or require prior authorization for brand-name Ciprodex). If the pharmacy only has the version your insurance doesn't cover, you might be told it's "unavailable" when the real issue is a coverage mismatch. Ciprodex is covered by about 99% of insurance plans, but copays can range from $35 to $68.
Don't panic — there are several steps you can take to get your prescription filled quickly:
Medfinder lets you search for Ciprodex availability at pharmacies near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check online which locations have it in stock right now. Read our full guide on how to find Ciprodex in stock near you.
If brand-name Ciprodex isn't available, ask your pharmacist about the generic version (Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone otic suspension). It contains the exact same active ingredients and works the same way. The generic typically costs $65 to $130 with a discount coupon, compared to $200 to $350 for the brand.
Chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens often run out of specialty items faster because they serve higher volumes. Independent pharmacies sometimes have better stock of niche medications like otic suspensions. It's worth calling a few in your area.
If you truly can't find Ciprodex anywhere, your prescriber may be able to switch you to an alternative. Ofloxacin otic drops are a commonly prescribed, much cheaper alternative that works well for many ear infections. Learn more in our article on alternatives to Ciprodex.
Finding Ciprodex can be a challenge, but it's usually not impossible. The key is to act quickly — ear infections are painful and can get worse without treatment. Use tools like Medfinder to locate the medication near you, consider the generic version, and don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about alternatives if needed.
If you're also wondering about saving money on your prescription, check out our guide on how to save money on Ciprodex in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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