The US is running out of the common antibiotic amoxicillin for children – forcing parents to shop at multiple pharmacies
- Four drug manufacturers that supply almost the entire country are facing a shortage
- The liquid form of the drug is in short supply, they said
- Officials drew attention to this last month when patients struggled to fill prescriptions
A common antibiotic used to treat ear, sinus, and chest infections in children is in short supply in the US.
Four drugmakers behind the nation’s supply of amoxicillin now have limited doses of the drug’s liquid form.
The Food and Drug Association (FDA) blamed a surge in demand for the shortage — with respiratory illnesses at unusually high levels.
Officials were alerted to the problem in late October when a growing number of patients were forced to shop at multiple pharmacies to obtain the drug.
Although the drug doesn’t treat viral infections like RSV and influenza, it can treat secondary infections like those caused by bacteria.
It comes amid shortages of the ADHD drug Adderall and oxytocin, a drug commonly used during childbirth. Both bottlenecks are due to problems in the supply chain.
Drug shortages have been exacerbated by the pandemic, which has led to an increase in demand for some drugs and staff shortages.
Amoxicillin — a common antibiotic used to treat ear and sinus infections in children — is in short supply in the US
Amoxicillin is available by prescription, either as a liquid or in capsule form.
It’s usually taken two to three times a day for about a week to treat many common bacterial infections.
The drug is an antibiotic and works by killing bacteria that make a patient uncomfortable.
Amoxicillin is one of the most popular antibiotics in the US, with four out of five Americans taking an antibiotic at least once a year.
Shortages of the liquid form of the drug were first reported three weeks ago.
The FDA has now confirmed the reports, although it’s unclear how long the disruption will last.
Sandoz – a Swiss company and one of the largest American suppliers – has listed eight of its 12 liquid amoxicillin products as “unavailable”.
Deliveries from the pharmacy giant are expected to be restricted until March 2023.
A spokesman said the drop in shipments was due to a “significant pick-up” in demand for amoxicillin.
They also blamed manufacturing restrictions, supply problems with raw materials used to make the drug, and the current energy crisis.
“We are currently facing a uniquely difficult situation,” they said. “We are working with key stakeholders, including governments, to find ways to manage this critical situation.”