rxstat › Shortages › Gramicidin Polymyxin B

Gramicidin Polymyxin B (Polytopic, Optimyxin) shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Gramicidin Polymyxin B products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 2 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer.

An antibiotic combination used in eye drops to treat bacterial eye infections.

Products affected
1 / 2
In shortage since
Jan 1, 2022
Reports on file
3
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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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Shortage history

2023 2024 2025 2026

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
OPTIMYXIN
0.025MG 10000UNIT · DROPS · EURO-PHARM INTERNATIONAL CANADA INC
DIN 00701785 · since ?, est. end Jun 1, 2026 · Reason for shortage: Transfer of manufacturing site. The estimated end date depends on approval timelines for the manufacturing site transfer.
Active shortage
OPTIMYXIN
0.025MG 10000UNIT · DROPS · EURO-PHARM INTERNATIONAL CANADA INC
DIN 00701785 · since Jan 1, 2022, est. end Jun 1, 2026
Resolved
POLYTOPIC CREAM
10000UNIT 0.25MG · CREAM · SANDOZ CANADA INCORPORATED
DIN 00422908 · ended Sep 4, 2018 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

What's happening

Gramicidin Polymyxin B is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by EURO-PHARM INTERNATIONAL CANADA INC.

The reported cause is: reason for shortage: transfer of manufacturing site. the estimated end date depends on approval timelines for the manufacturing site transfer. 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.

Gramicidin Polymyxin B is classified under “ANTIINFECTIVES” (ATC S03AA).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Gramicidin Polymyxin B used for?

An antibiotic combination used in eye drops to treat bacterial eye infections.

When will Gramicidin Polymyxin B 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 Gramicidin Polymyxin B 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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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.