Cefaclor shortage status

Widespread shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026

Cefaclor is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 5 of 5 reported products are affected. Manufacturers have not committed to a recovery date.

A cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as ear and chest infections.

Products affected

5 / 5

In shortage since

Mar 10, 2017

Reports on file

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.

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When every manufacturer is affected, an online doctor can assess your situation and prescribe an alternative.

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Shortage history

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage

APO-CEFACLOR

500MG · CAPSULE · APOTEX INC

DIN 02230264 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Active shortage

APO-CEFACLOR

250MG · CAPSULE · APOTEX INC

DIN 02230263 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Active shortage

APO-CEFACLOR

125MG · POWDER · APOTEX INC

DIN 02237500 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Active shortage

APO-CEFACLOR

250MG · POWDER · APOTEX INC

DIN 02237501 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Active shortage

APO-CEFACLOR

375MG · POWDER · APOTEX INC

DIN 02237502 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

What's happening

Cefaclor is currently affected by 5 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by 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.

Cefaclor is classified under “OTHER BETA-LACTAM ANTIBACTERIALS” (ATC J01DC).

Recent changes

No changes recorded yet.

Common questions

What is Cefaclor used for?

A cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as ear and chest infections.

When will Cefaclor 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 Cefaclor 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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Possible alternatives in the same class (other beta-lactam antibacterials)

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.

Cefadroxil No current shortage Cefoxitin No current shortage Ceftazidime (Fortaz) No current shortage Ertapenem No current shortage Cefixime (Suprax) Partial shortage 1 of 4 reported products affected · est. return Jul 31, 2026 Cefprozil (Cefzil) Partial shortage 1 of 16 reported products affected

Guides: what to do when your medication is in shortage · how to read shortage reports

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.