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

If you take Istalol for glaucoma or ocular hypertension, you may have walked up to a pharmacy counter only to hear, "We're out of stock." You're not alone. Many patients who rely on Istalol — the brand-name timolol maleate ophthalmic solution 0.5% — have reported difficulty filling their prescriptions at local pharmacies in 2025 and 2026. This guide explains exactly why that happens and what you can do about it.

What Is Istalol and Who Uses It?

Istalol is a brand-name prescription eye drop manufactured by Bausch + Lomb. Its active ingredient is timolol maleate, a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker that lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) by reducing the production of aqueous humor — the fluid inside the eye. It's FDA-approved for treating elevated IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

What sets Istalol apart from other timolol formulations is its once-daily dosing schedule. Most standard timolol solutions require two drops per day; Istalol's special formulation achieves equivalent pressure control with just one drop each morning. This convenience makes it a preferred choice for many patients — and that popularity contributes to consistent demand at pharmacies.

Is There an Istalol Shortage in 2026?

Istalol itself — the Bausch + Lomb brand — is not currently listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. However, the broader timolol ophthalmic category has been affected by supply disruptions:

• Timolol gel-forming solution (generic Timoptic-XE): Sandoz has had this formulation on back order with no estimated release date, affecting many patients.
• Dorzolamide/timolol combination (generic Cosopt): Bausch Health has experienced manufacturing delays with this combination product.
• Standard Istalol 0.5% drops: More widely available, but individual pharmacy stock levels vary significantly. Not every pharmacy carries the Istalol brand specifically, since most pharmacies stock the generic timolol equivalent.

Why Do Pharmacies Run Out of Istalol?

Even when there isn't an active shortage, individual pharmacies may not stock Istalol for several reasons:

1. Low demand at some locations. Pharmacies stock based on their patient population. If few patients in that area use Istalol specifically (as opposed to the generic timolol), the pharmacy may not keep it on hand.
2. Brand vs. generic preference. A generic equivalent to Istalol (timolol maleate once-daily 0.5%) was approved by the FDA in July 2024, manufactured by Somerset Theraps LLC. Many pharmacies have transitioned to the generic, which may mean the Istalol brand is harder to find.
3. Sterile manufacturing requirements. Ophthalmic products must be manufactured in sterile, highly controlled environments. Any quality control issue or facility maintenance can halt production for weeks or months.
4. Distribution chain gaps. Even if Istalol is being manufactured, distribution delays can leave certain geographic areas or pharmacy chains temporarily without stock.
5. Glaucoma patient population growth. The CDC estimates approximately 3 million Americans have glaucoma. As the U.S. population ages, more patients are being diagnosed, increasing overall demand for IOP-lowering medications.

Is Istalol Being Discontinued?

As of 2026, Istalol has not been discontinued by Bausch + Lomb. The drug remains on the market and actively prescribed by ophthalmologists. However, with a FDA-approved generic now available, some pharmacy systems may be defaulting to the generic equivalent. If your insurer or pharmacy substitutes the generic, that is typically permitted unless your physician specifically writes "Dispense As Written" (DAW) on the prescription.

What Should You Do If You Can't Find Istalol?

Here are the most effective steps to take when your pharmacy doesn't have Istalol in stock:

• Ask about the generic equivalent. Generic timolol maleate once-daily 0.5% is therapeutically equivalent to Istalol and significantly cheaper. With a GoodRx coupon, it can cost as little as $6.99 for a 5 mL bottle.
• Call multiple pharmacies. Stock levels vary by location. Independent pharmacies, grocery store pharmacies, and chains often have different inventories.
• Use medfinder to locate pharmacies that have your medication in stock. medfinder calls pharmacies near you and texts you the results — saving hours of frustrating phone calls.
• Talk to your ophthalmologist. If Istalol remains unavailable, your doctor can prescribe an alternative such as latanoprost (Xalatan), brimonidine, or dorzolamide. Never stop your glaucoma drops without medical guidance — uncontrolled eye pressure can cause permanent vision loss.

Can I Use a Different Timolol Formulation Instead?

Yes — with your doctor's approval. Standard timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution dosed twice daily is therapeutically equivalent to Istalol once daily, though the dosing schedule differs. If your pharmacy has generic timolol 0.5% drops, your ophthalmologist can adjust your prescription. Be aware that twice-daily dosing requires more drops over time and may affect how long a bottle lasts.

How medfinder Can Help

Rather than spending hours calling pharmacies yourself, medfinder does the legwork for you. You provide your medication, dosage, and ZIP code — medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find out which ones have Istalol or its generic equivalent in stock, and texts you the results. medfinder covers all medications, not just shortage drugs.

For more guidance, read our posts on how to find Istalol in stock near you and alternatives to Istalol if you can't fill your prescription.