Can't find Tobradex at your pharmacy? Learn why Tobradex eye drops are hard to find in 2026 and what you can do to get your prescription filled fast.
You just left your eye doctor's office with a prescription for Tobradex, and you're ready to get it filled. But when you call your pharmacy — or worse, drive there — they tell you it's out of stock. You try another pharmacy. Same answer. Sound familiar?
Tobradex is one of those medications that patients frequently have trouble tracking down, even though it's been on the market for decades. If you're wondering why it's so hard to find, this article breaks down the real reasons and gives you practical steps to get your prescription filled.
Tobradex is a brand-name prescription eye drop that combines two active ingredients: Tobramycin (an aminoglycoside antibiotic) and Dexamethasone (a corticosteroid). Together, they treat bacterial eye infections while reducing swelling, redness, and discomfort.
Doctors commonly prescribe Tobradex after eye surgery, for bacterial conjunctivitis with inflammation, and for other conditions where both infection control and inflammation reduction are needed. It comes as eye drops (suspension), an ointment, and a formulation called Tobradex ST with a lower steroid concentration.
To learn more about what this medication does and how to use it, check out our guide: What Is Tobradex? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
There isn't one single reason Tobradex can be difficult to locate. Instead, it's usually a combination of factors working together:
Eye drops are specialty pharmaceutical products that require sterile manufacturing conditions. The supply chain for ophthalmic medications has been under strain in recent years, with production bottlenecks, raw material shortages, and quality control delays all contributing to intermittent availability issues. Even when there's no official "shortage" listed by the FDA, individual pharmacies may run out and have trouble restocking.
Most retail pharmacies carry a limited selection of ophthalmic medications. Tobradex is a combination product used for specific conditions — it's not something pharmacies dispense every day like blood pressure or diabetes medications. Because of lower demand, many pharmacies keep only a small supply on hand, and once it's gone, it may take days or weeks to reorder.
Your insurance plan may require you to fill Tobradex at certain pharmacies, or it may only cover the generic version (Tobramycin/Dexamethasone). If your plan directs you to a mail-order pharmacy or a specific chain, your options for finding it quickly become limited. Some plans also require prior authorization, which adds delays.
The generic version of Tobradex (Tobramycin/Dexamethasone ophthalmic suspension) is widely available and significantly cheaper — often $28 to $55 with a discount card compared to $200 to $350 for brand-name Tobradex. However, if your doctor specifically wrote for the brand name or specified "dispense as written," your pharmacy may not be able to substitute the generic, making it harder to fill.
The good news is that there are several strategies that work well for finding Tobradex or its generic equivalent:
Medfinder lets you search for pharmacies near you that currently have Tobradex in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online and save yourself hours of frustration.
If your prescription is written for brand-name Tobradex and you're having trouble finding it, ask your doctor if the generic (Tobramycin/Dexamethasone) would work. The generic is the same active ingredients and is much more widely available. It's also significantly less expensive.
Independent pharmacies often have more flexible ordering systems than large chains. They may be able to special-order Tobradex for you quickly, sometimes with next-day delivery from their wholesaler. Don't overlook these smaller pharmacies — they can be a lifesaver when chains are out of stock.
Always call the pharmacy before making a trip. Ask specifically about the formulation you need (suspension, ointment, or Tobradex ST) and whether they can hold it for you. For more tips, read our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Tobradex in stock.
If you truly cannot find Tobradex, there are alternative medications your doctor may consider, such as Maxitrol, Zylet, or Pred-G. Always talk to your doctor before switching — never change medications on your own.
Finding Tobradex in 2026 can be frustrating, but it's usually not impossible. Supply chain issues, limited pharmacy stock, and insurance complications are the main culprits. By using tools like Medfinder, asking about the generic, and trying independent pharmacies, most patients can get their prescription filled within a day or two.
If you're a healthcare provider looking for tools to help patients find Tobradex, visit our provider's guide.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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