Azithromycin (Zithromax, Zithromax -) shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Some Azithromycin products are in shortage in Canada (2 of 32 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.
An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as chest, throat and ear infections.
Products affected
2 / 32
In shortage since
Mar 10, 2017
Reports on file
121
Talk to a pharmacist
Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
Independent services, not affiliated with rxstat; referral fees may apply. Free options exist depending on your province. In an emergency call 911; free health advice at 811.
Shortage history
Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).
Reports by product
The DIN is printed on your prescription label.
Active shortage
ZITHROMAX - PWS ORL 100MG/5ML
100MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02223716 · since ?, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
APO-AZITHROMYCIN
250MG · TABLET · APOTEX INC
DIN 02247423 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
AZITHROMYCIN
250MG · TABLET · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02330881 · ended Jun 3, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
AZITHROMYCIN FOR INJECTION, USP
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · EUGIA PHARMA INC.
DIN 02531429 · ended May 7, 2026 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
AURO-AZITHROMYCIN
100MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · AURO PHARMA INC
DIN 02482363 · ended Aug 13, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
AZITHROMYCIN
250MG · TABLET · SANIS HEALTH INC
DIN 02330881 · ended Aug 7, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
ZITHROMAX
200MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02223724
Discontinued
ZITHROMAX FOR INTRAVENOUS INJECTION
500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02239952
Resolved
ZITHROMAX
200MG · POWDER FOR SUSPENSION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02223724 · ended Aug 1, 2025 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
SANDOZ AZITHROMYCIN
250MG · TABLET · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 02265826 · ended Jul 21, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Discontinued
TEVA-AZITHROMYCIN
250MG · TABLET · TEVA CANADA LIMITED
DIN 02267845
Resolved
AZITHROMYCIN
250MG · TABLET · SIVEM PHARMACEUTICALS ULC
DIN 02442434 · ended May 12, 2025 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Showing 12 of 60 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Azithromycin is currently affected by 2 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by PFIZER CANADA ULC, APOTEX INC.
The reported cause is: disruption of the manufacture of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.
If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.
Azithromycin is classified under “MACROLIDES, LINCOSAMIDES AND STREPTOGRAMINS” (ATC J01FA).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Azithromycin used for?
An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as chest, throat and ear infections.
When will Azithromycin be back in stock in Canada?
Manufacturers have not provided a reliable end date. This page updates automatically as soon as an estimate is filed.
Why is Azithromycin in shortage?
See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.
What can my pharmacist do about it?
Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.
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Drugs in the same therapeutic class, best-supplied first. These are not automatic substitutes: only your pharmacist or prescriber can judge whether a switch makes sense for you.
Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.