Struggling to find Tobrex eye drops at your pharmacy? Learn why Tobrex is so hard to find in 2026 and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Tobrex, you're not alone. Thousands of patients across the country have struggled to fill their Tobramycin ophthalmic prescriptions in recent months. Whether you're dealing with a painful eye infection or recovering from eye surgery, not being able to find your medication is stressful — and sometimes even dangerous.
In this article, we'll explain what Tobrex is, why it's been so difficult to find, and what steps you can take right now to get the medication you need.
Tobrex is the brand name for Tobramycin ophthalmic solution and ointment (0.3%). It belongs to a class of drugs called aminoglycoside antibiotics. Doctors prescribe it to treat bacterial eye infections, including:
Tobrex works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive. It's effective against many types of gram-negative bacteria and some gram-positive bacteria that commonly cause eye infections.
For more details about how Tobrex works, see our guide on how Tobrex works.
There are several reasons why you might be having trouble finding Tobrex at your local pharmacy. Let's break down the main factors.
The ophthalmic (eye) medication market has seen significant consolidation over the past several years. Fewer companies are manufacturing sterile eye drops, which means that when one facility has a problem, it can affect the entire supply chain. Sterile manufacturing — the kind needed for eye drops — requires specialized equipment and facilities, making it harder for new companies to step in and fill the gap.
Global supply chain issues have affected many medications, and Tobrex is no exception. Shortages of raw materials, shipping delays, and quality control challenges at manufacturing plants have all contributed to limited availability. These disruptions tend to have a ripple effect — when supply gets tight, pharmacies may receive smaller shipments than they ordered.
Eye drops must meet extremely strict sterility standards because they're applied directly to a sensitive organ. When manufacturing facilities fail FDA inspections or need to address quality concerns, production can be halted for weeks or months. Several sterile manufacturing facilities have faced shutdowns or reduced production capacity in recent years.
Eye infections remain common, and awareness of proper treatment has increased. Seasonal spikes in conjunctivitis, especially during back-to-school periods and cold/flu season, can further strain an already limited supply.
If you can't find Tobrex at your pharmacy, don't panic. There are several practical steps you can take.
Tools like Medfinder can help you check which pharmacies near you have Tobrex or generic Tobramycin in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search in one place and save valuable time — especially important when you're dealing with a painful infection.
If your prescription is written for brand-name Tobrex, ask your pharmacist or doctor about switching to generic Tobramycin ophthalmic solution. The generic contains the exact same active ingredient at the same concentration (0.3%) and is often easier to find and significantly less expensive. Brand-name Tobrex can cost $80 to $200, while the generic typically runs $15 to $45.
Large chain pharmacies often have the most visible shortage issues because they rely on centralized distribution. Independent pharmacies sometimes use different wholesalers and may have stock when chains don't. Compounding pharmacies may also be able to prepare Tobramycin solutions in some cases.
If you truly cannot find Tobrex or generic Tobramycin, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative antibiotic eye drop. Options include Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan), Moxifloxacin ophthalmic (Vigamox), Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim (Polytrim), or Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Learn more in our article on alternatives to Tobrex.
If cost is part of the problem, explore discount programs and coupons that can bring the price down. Our guide on how to save money on Tobrex covers all the options.
The Tobrex shortage has been frustrating for patients and healthcare providers alike. But understanding why it's happening puts you in a better position to find solutions. Whether you switch to a generic, try a different pharmacy, or explore alternatives with your doctor, there are options available.
For real-time availability information, visit Medfinder to search for Tobrex and Tobramycin at pharmacies near you. And for more details on the current shortage situation, check out our 2026 Tobrex shortage update.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
