Pharmacies are reporting shortages of the widely used antibiotic amoxicillin
Is there an amoxicillin shortage? Independent pharmacies across the U.S. are reporting that the antibiotic is in short supply. This is concerning as winter approaches.
Pharmacies across the United States are reporting shortages of one of the most widely used antibiotics, raising concerns that the medication will be in short supply for the upcoming winter season.
Independent pharmacy owners in Kansas, Georgia and New York confirmed to NBC News that supplies of amoxicillin — commonly prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections including ear infections, pneumonia and bronchitis — have been dwindling for weeks. In some cases, drug wholesalers are limiting how much of the medication pharmacies can purchase at one time, likely to avoid running out of them.
“The scary part is, we’re coming into the time of the year where you have the greatest need," said Hugh Chancy, owner of Chancy Drugs, which has six locations in southern Georgia.
Three key amoxicillin manufacturers — Hikma Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in the United Kingdom; Sandoz, based in Switzerland; and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., headquartered in Israel — are reporting shortages of the antibiotic, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, which maintains a database of drug shortages.
The products affected include chewable tablets, capsules and powder for an oral liquid or “suspension” that is typically prescribed to children. Because amoxicillin is an antibiotic, it is not used to treat infections caused by viruses, such as Covid, the flu or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
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