Why Is Cyclogyl So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]

If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Cyclogyl — or you're an eye care provider struggling to keep it in stock — you're not alone. Cyclogyl (cyclopentolate hydrochloride) has been one of the most consistently hard-to-find ophthalmic drugs in the United States since 2023. Here's the full story of why that happened, what's changed, and what it means for patients and providers in 2026.

What Is Cyclogyl and Why Is It Important?

Cyclogyl is the brand name for cyclopentolate hydrochloride, a prescription eye drop used to dilate the pupil (mydriasis) and temporarily paralyze the focusing muscles in the eye (cycloplegia). These effects allow eye doctors — ophthalmologists and optometrists — to get a clear, accurate picture of the inside of the eye during an exam.

Cyclopentolate is the most widely used cycloplegic agent for pediatric eye exams. It's endorsed by both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association for children aged 1 to 12 years. Without it, eye doctors can't accurately measure how much prescription correction a child needs — especially for farsightedness (hyperopia), which children can mask by straining their focusing muscles.

It's also used to treat uveitis (inflammation inside the eye) and is sometimes administered before certain eye surgeries. In short, it's an essential medication for eye care — which makes its shortage especially disruptive.

When Did the Cyclogyl Shortage Start?

The current Cyclogyl shortage traces back to February 2023, when Akorn Pharmaceuticals — a major manufacturer of generic ophthalmic drugs — ceased all operations after filing for bankruptcy. Akorn was one of the largest producers of generic cyclopentolate in the United States. When it shut down, a huge portion of the national supply simply disappeared overnight.

The remaining manufacturers — Alcon (which makes the brand-name Cyclogyl), Sandoz, and Bausch Health — were not able to immediately fill the gap. Ophthalmic eye drops are complex products: they must be produced in sterile, pharmaceutical-grade facilities with strict quality controls. You can't just ramp up production overnight.

Why Is Cyclogyl Still in Shortage in 2026?

The FDA still lists cyclopentolate as being in shortage as of 2026. Several factors continue to keep it in short supply:

Loss of a major manufacturer. Akorn's closure in 2023 removed a significant chunk of the U.S. generic supply permanently.

Few remaining producers. Only Alcon, Sandoz, and Bausch Health currently manufacture cyclopentolate for the U.S. market. A market with only three suppliers is fragile.

Specialized sterile manufacturing. Eye drops must be produced in sterile cleanroom facilities under strict FDA oversight. New capacity can't be added quickly.

High demand. Cyclopentolate is used in virtually every comprehensive pediatric eye exam in the U.S., creating sustained demand across thousands of clinics and hospitals.

Supply chain disruptions. Pharmaceutical supply chains for ophthalmic solutions remain vulnerable to raw material delays and quality control holds.

The situation has improved compared to the darkest period in 2023-2024. Sandoz has increased production capacity, and supply has stabilized somewhat in many regions. But availability remains inconsistent — what's in stock at one pharmacy may be completely unavailable at another a few miles away.

How Does the Shortage Affect Patients?

For most patients, cyclopentolate is administered in the doctor's office — you don't usually pick it up from a retail pharmacy. But the shortage affects what's available in clinical settings, and it can cause:

Delayed or rescheduled eye exams, especially pediatric appointments that require cycloplegic refraction

Substitution with alternative drops like tropicamide or atropine, which have different onset times and durations

Higher costs if patients are asked to source their own bottle from a retail pharmacy

Wider price variation across pharmacies as some charge more when supply is limited

What Should You Do If Your Pharmacy Doesn't Have Cyclogyl?

If your eye doctor has asked you to pick up cyclopentolate before your appointment, or if your clinic's supply has run out, here are your options:

Call multiple pharmacies. Availability varies widely from store to store. Independent pharmacies and hospital pharmacies sometimes have stock when chain pharmacies don't.

Use medfinder. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find out which ones have your medication in stock, so you don't have to spend hours on the phone yourself. Visit medfinder.com to get started.

Ask your eye doctor about alternatives. Tropicamide or atropine may be appropriate alternatives depending on the type of exam needed.

Request a different size or concentration. Sometimes the 0.5% or 2% concentration is available when the 1% isn't, or a different bottle size may be in stock.

Is the Cyclogyl Shortage Getting Better?

The short answer is: slowly, yes. Sandoz has increased its production of generic cyclopentolate, which has helped stabilize supply in many parts of the country. But the FDA continues to list cyclopentolate as being in active shortage, and availability is still unpredictable at the local level. Patients and providers should plan ahead rather than assuming their regular pharmacy will have it in stock.

For more information on finding Cyclogyl near you, check out our guide: How to Find Cyclogyl in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips). And if your doctor has suggested alternatives, see our post on Alternatives to Cyclogyl If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.