Cloxacillin shortage status

Widespread shortage

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

Cloxacillin is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 3 of 6 reported products are affected. Manufacturers have not committed to a recovery date.

A penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, especially staph skin infections.

Products affected

3 / 6

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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Need your prescription switched?

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 CLOXI CAP 500MG

500MG · CAPSULE · APOTEX INC

DIN 00618284 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Active shortage

APO CLOXI CAP 250MG

250MG · CAPSULE · APOTEX INC

DIN 00618292 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Active shortage

APO CLOXI FOR ORAL SOLN 125MG/5ML

125MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · APOTEX INC

DIN 00644633 · since Mar 10, 2017, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Discontinued

CLOXACILLIN SODIUM FOR INJECTION

2G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED

DIN 01912410

Discontinued

CLOXACILLIN SODIUM FOR INJECTION

1G · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED

DIN 01975447

Discontinued

CLOXACILLIN SODIUM FOR INJECTION

500MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · TEVA CANADA LIMITED

DIN 01912429

What's happening

Cloxacillin is currently affected by 3 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.

Cloxacillin is classified under “BETA-LACTAM ANTIBACTERIALS, PENICILLINS” (ATC J01CF).

Recent changes

No changes recorded yet.

Common questions

What is Cloxacillin used for?

A penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, especially staph skin infections.

When will Cloxacillin 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 Cloxacillin 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 (beta-lactam antibacterials, penicillins)

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.

Penicillin G No current shortage Amoxicillin (Novamoxin) Partial shortage 3 of 39 reported products affected · est. return Sep 4, 2026 Ampicillin Partial shortage 5 of 14 reported products affected Clavulanic Acid Amoxicillin (Amoxi-Clav) Partial shortage 5 of 27 reported products affected · est. return Dec 23, 2026 Cloxacillin Partial shortage 1 of 5 reported products affected · est. return Sep 30, 2026 Tazobactam Piperacillin Partial shortage 3 of 23 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.