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Colistimethate shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Colistimethate products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 1 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Jul 31, 2026.

An antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by certain resistant bacteria.

Products affected
1 / 1
In shortage since
Jan 8, 2026
Est. full return
Jul 31, 2026
Reports on file
1
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Shortage history

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

Active shortage
COLISTIMETHATE FOR INJECTION USP
150MG · POWDER FOR SOLUTION · MARCAN PHARMACEUTICALS INC
DIN 02546639 · since Jan 8, 2026, est. end Jul 31, 2026

What's happening

Colistimethate is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by MARCAN PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

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.

Colistimethate is classified under “OTHER ANTIBACTERIALS” (ATC J01XB).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Colistimethate used for?

An antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by certain resistant bacteria.

When will Colistimethate be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Jul 31, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Colistimethate 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 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.

Dalbavancin (Xydalba) No current shortage Linezolid (Zyvoxam) No current shortage Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid) No current shortage Colistin (Coly-Mycin M Parenteral) Partial shortage 1 of 3 reported products affected Daptomycin (Cubicin Rf) Partial shortage 1 of 3 reported products affected Methenamine Mandelate Partial shortage 1 of 1 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.