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

If Your Eye Doctor Can't Find Cyclopentolate, You're Not Alone

You show up for your child's eye exam and the doctor says they're out of Cyclopentolate. Or maybe your ophthalmologist tells you they've been rationing their supply for months. If this sounds familiar, you're far from alone. Cyclopentolate — the eye drop that dilates your pupils and relaxes your eye muscles before an exam — has been in shortage since late 2020, and in 2026 the situation still hasn't fully resolved.

This article breaks down what Cyclopentolate is, why it's been so hard to find, and what steps you can take if your provider is running low.

What Is Cyclopentolate?

Cyclopentolate (brand name Cyclogyl) is a prescription eye drop classified as a mydriatic and cycloplegic agent. It belongs to the anticholinergic drug class and works by temporarily blocking certain nerve signals in the eye. This causes two things to happen:

• Mydriasis — your pupil dilates (gets larger), allowing the doctor to see the back of your eye clearly.
• Cycloplegia — the focusing muscles in your eye temporarily relax, which helps the doctor measure your true prescription without your eye compensating.

Cyclopentolate is especially important in pediatric eye exams because children's eyes accommodate (focus) much more strongly than adults, and an accurate refraction requires complete cycloplegia. It's available as an ophthalmic solution in 0.5%, 1%, and 2% concentrations.

To learn more about how Cyclopentolate works, read our guide: How Does Cyclopentolate Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Why Is Cyclopentolate So Hard to Find?

There are several overlapping reasons why Cyclopentolate has been in short supply for years. Here's what's driving the shortage.

1. A Major Manufacturer Shut Down

Akorn Pharmaceuticals was one of the biggest producers of generic ophthalmic drugs in the United States, including generic Cyclopentolate. In February 2023, Akorn ceased all operations after filing for bankruptcy. This sudden loss of a major supplier created a hole in the market that other manufacturers have struggled to fill.

2. Limited Number of Manufacturers

Even before Akorn's closure, the market for Cyclopentolate was small. Only a handful of companies produce it — primarily Alcon (which makes the brand-name Cyclogyl), Sandoz, and Bausch Health. When demand exceeds what these remaining companies can produce, shortages happen. Ophthalmic drug manufacturing requires specialized sterile production facilities, and ramping up production takes time.

3. Niche Market With Low Profit Margins

Cyclopentolate is a relatively inexpensive generic medication used primarily in clinical settings. The low profit margins make it less attractive for pharmaceutical companies to invest in expanded production capacity. Unlike blockbuster drugs that generate billions in revenue, ophthalmic solutions like Cyclopentolate simply don't offer the same financial incentive.

4. Ongoing Supply Chain Disruptions

The pharmaceutical supply chain has faced persistent challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic, including raw material shortages, shipping delays, and manufacturing bottlenecks. Sterile injectable and ophthalmic products have been hit particularly hard because of the stringent manufacturing requirements involved.

How Long Has the Shortage Lasted?

The FDA first listed Cyclopentolate Ophthalmic Solution as in shortage on November 9, 2020. That means this shortage has been ongoing for over five years. The situation worsened significantly after Akorn's closure in 2023, and as of early 2026, the FDA still lists Cyclopentolate as currently in shortage.

For the latest updates on the shortage timeline, see our detailed article: Cyclopentolate Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026.

What You Can Do

If you or your child needs an eye exam that requires Cyclopentolate, here are some practical steps:

Call Ahead Before Your Appointment

Before scheduling or showing up for an eye exam, call your eye doctor's office and ask if they currently have Cyclopentolate in stock. This simple step can save you a wasted trip and help you plan ahead if they're running low.

Use Medfinder to Check Availability

If you're having trouble finding Cyclopentolate, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies and providers that have it in stock near you. This is especially useful because availability can vary widely from one location to the next.

Ask About Alternatives

Your eye doctor may be able to use a different eye drop depending on the exam being performed. Tropicamide is a commonly available alternative for pupil dilation, though it provides weaker cycloplegia. Atropine is another option that provides strong cycloplegia, though it lasts much longer (up to two weeks). Learn more about your options: Alternatives to Cyclopentolate If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Try Independent Pharmacies

Large chain pharmacies may run out faster due to higher demand. Independent and specialty pharmacies — particularly those that cater to ophthalmology practices — may have better access to ophthalmic products. For more tips, check out: How to Find Cyclopentolate in Stock Near You.

Ask About Compounding

In some cases, a compounding pharmacy may be able to prepare Cyclopentolate eye drops if commercial products are unavailable. Your eye doctor can write a prescription specifically for a compounding pharmacy.

Final Thoughts

The Cyclopentolate shortage is one of many ongoing drug shortages affecting patients across the country. While the situation is frustrating, understanding why it's happening can help you plan ahead and explore alternatives. The most important thing is to communicate with your eye care provider — they're dealing with this shortage too and can help you find the best path forward.

If you're looking for Cyclopentolate right now, Medfinder can help you check real-time availability at pharmacies near you.