Struggling to find Prednisolone at your pharmacy? Learn why this common corticosteroid is hard to find in 2026, what's causing the shortage, and what you can do.
You've got a prescription for Prednisolone — maybe for your child's asthma flare, maybe for an allergic reaction that won't quit — and the pharmacist tells you it's out of stock. No ETA. You call another pharmacy. Same story.
If this sounds familiar, you're not imagining things. Prednisolone, especially the oral liquid form that children and many adults depend on, has been increasingly difficult to find in recent years. In 2026, the problem hasn't fully gone away.
In this article, we'll explain what Prednisolone is, why it keeps running short, and — most importantly — what you can do about it right now.
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid (sometimes called a steroid) that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. Doctors prescribe it for a wide range of conditions, including:
It comes in oral solution (liquid), tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets (ODT). The liquid form is especially important in pediatrics because young children often can't swallow pills. Brand names include Orapred, Orapred ODT, Prelone, Pediapred, and Millipred.
Unlike Prednisone (a closely related drug), Prednisolone doesn't need to be converted by the liver to become active. That makes it the preferred choice for patients with liver problems and for many children.
There isn't a single reason Prednisolone keeps disappearing from pharmacy shelves. Here are the main factors at play in 2026:
Generic Prednisolone oral solution is made by only a handful of manufacturers. When even one manufacturer has a production delay — due to equipment issues, raw material shortages, or FDA compliance requirements — it puts enormous pressure on the remaining suppliers. Liquid medications are also more complex to produce than tablets, requiring specialized facilities and quality controls.
Prednisolone liquid is a go-to treatment for pediatric asthma exacerbations and croup. During fall and winter respiratory illness seasons, demand surges. Pharmacies may go through their entire supply in days, and resupply can take weeks when the overall supply is already tight.
The generic Prednisolone oral solution market is small. Only a few companies — including Pharmaceutical Associates, Hi-Tech Pharmacal, and Amneal — produce the liquid. With thin profit margins on generic medications, there's little incentive for new manufacturers to enter the market, which keeps supply fragile.
Even when Prednisolone is being manufactured, it doesn't always reach every pharmacy evenly. Large chain pharmacies may receive priority shipments from wholesalers, while independent pharmacies and those in rural areas get left waiting. This creates a patchwork availability picture where the drug may be in stock across town but unavailable at your local pharmacy.
Finding Prednisolone may take some effort, but there are practical steps you can take today:
Medfinder lets you search for Prednisolone availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can see which locations currently have it in stock. This is especially helpful for the liquid formulation that's hardest to find.
Independent pharmacies often have different wholesale suppliers than the big chains. They may have access to Prednisolone when CVS and Walgreens don't. Compounding pharmacies can also prepare Prednisolone oral solution from raw ingredients if commercially manufactured versions are unavailable — ask your doctor if a compounded version is appropriate.
If Prednisolone is truly unavailable, your prescriber may be able to switch you to a related corticosteroid. Alternatives to Prednisolone include Prednisone (available as a tablet and liquid), Methylprednisolone, or Dexamethasone. Each has slightly different dosing, so this needs to be a conversation with your doctor — don't make the switch on your own.
Pharmacies often receive new shipments on specific days. Call ahead and ask when their next delivery is expected. Going early in the week or early in the day can sometimes improve your chances. For more detailed tips, see our guide on how to find Prednisolone in stock near you.
It can be tempting to fill extra prescriptions when you do find Prednisolone in stock, but stockpiling makes the shortage worse for everyone. Fill what you need for your current treatment course.
When you do find Prednisolone, cost usually isn't a major barrier for the generic version. Generic Prednisolone oral solution typically costs $10 to $50 for a standard course without insurance. However, brand-name versions like Orapred ODT can run $200 to $600+. If cost is a concern, check out our guide on how to save money on Prednisolone.
Prednisolone is an essential medication for millions of patients — from toddlers with croup to adults managing autoimmune diseases. The fact that it keeps running short is a real problem, but it's not one you have to face without options.
Start by checking availability on Medfinder, talk to your doctor about alternatives if needed, and explore independent pharmacies in your area. The shortage is frustrating, but with the right tools and a bit of persistence, most patients can find what they need.
For the latest on Prednisolone supply, see our 2026 Prednisolone shortage update.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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