Struggling to find Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone ear drops? Learn why Cipro HC Otic is hard to find in 2026 and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You've got an ear infection that's driving you crazy. Your doctor wrote a prescription for Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone ear drops (also known as Cipro HC Otic), and now you're being told the pharmacy doesn't have it in stock. Sound familiar?
You're not the only one dealing with this frustration. Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone has been one of the harder ear drop medications to track down in recent years. In this article, we'll explain exactly why it's been so difficult to find and what you can do about it in 2026.
Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone is a prescription ear drop (otic suspension) used to treat acute otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear. It combines two active ingredients:
The brand-name version is called Cipro HC Otic, and it comes as a 10 mL bottle of otic suspension. The typical dose is 3 drops in the affected ear twice daily for 7 days.
It's commonly prescribed by ENT specialists, pediatricians, primary care doctors, and urgent care providers. To learn more about how this medication works, check out our guide on how Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone works.
There are several reasons this ear drop has been difficult to locate at pharmacies. Here are the main factors:
Cipro HC Otic was originally approved by the FDA in 1998. For more than 27 years, it was only available as a brand-name product with no generic alternative. When only one manufacturer makes a drug, any supply hiccup — from raw material shortages to manufacturing delays — can make the medication hard to find nationwide.
The good news is that the FDA approved the first-ever generic version of Cipro HC in December 2025, manufactured by Cosette Pharmaceuticals. This generic Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone otic suspension has 180 days of competitive generic therapy (CGT) exclusivity, meaning Cosette is currently the only generic manufacturer. While this is a major step forward, it takes time for a new generic to fully penetrate the market and reach all pharmacy shelves.
Unlike medications that millions of people take every day (like blood pressure pills or diabetes drugs), Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone ear drops are used for a specific condition — acute otitis externa. Because demand is relatively low, pharmacies may not keep it consistently in stock. They often need to special-order it.
Swimmer's ear is more common during summer months when people are spending time in pools, lakes, and oceans. This seasonal spike in prescriptions can create temporary shortages, especially at pharmacies that don't carry large inventories of otic medications.
If you're having trouble finding Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone, don't give up. Here are some practical steps:
Medfinder helps you search for medications that are in stock at pharmacies near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability in one place and save yourself hours of frustration.
Large chain pharmacies often have standardized inventory systems that may not prioritize niche medications. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have more flexibility to order specialty products quickly or even compound a similar formulation if appropriate.
If you simply can't find Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone, your doctor may be able to prescribe a suitable alternative. Options include Ofloxacin otic drops, Ciprodex (Ciprofloxacin/Dexamethasone), or Cortisporin (Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Hydrocortisone). Learn more about these options in our article on alternatives to Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone.
Many pharmacies can order Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone from their wholesaler and have it within 1-2 business days. If your ear infection isn't severe, ask if they can place an order for you. In the meantime, your doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain relief to manage symptoms.
Since the Cosette generic launched in December 2025, pharmacies may have the generic in stock even if the brand-name Cipro HC is unavailable. Ask your pharmacist specifically about the generic Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone otic suspension — it's the same medication at a lower cost.
Cost can also be a barrier to filling your prescription. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:
For more ways to save, read our guide on how to save money on Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone.
Finding Ciprofloxacin/Hydrocortisone has been a challenge for many patients, but the situation is improving in 2026. The launch of the first generic version in December 2025 is a game-changer that should gradually make this medication easier and more affordable to get. In the meantime, tools like Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that have it in stock right now.
If you're dealing with swimmer's ear and can't wait, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. Your ear infection needs timely treatment, and there are good options available.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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