Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Mydfrin) shortage status
Partial shortage
Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Some Phenylephrine products are in shortage in Canada (3 of 8 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 Aug 24, 2026.
A decongestant used to relieve a stuffy nose.
Products affected
3 / 8
In shortage since
Apr 15, 2016
Est. full return
Aug 24, 2026
Reports on file
35
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
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP 1%
10MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02238400 · since May 1, 2026, est. end Aug 24, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
NEO-SYNEPHRINE
1% · SOLUTION · PFIZER CANADA ULC
DIN 02241980 · since Apr 17, 2020, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Active shortage
ODAN-PHENYLEPHRINE
2.5% · SOLUTION · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD
DIN 00622915 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP 1%
10MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02238400 · ended Aug 8, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP 1%
10MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02238400 · ended Jul 10, 2024 · No demand for the drug.
Discontinued
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP
10MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02504545
Discontinued
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP
10MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02504545
Resolved
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP
10MG · SOLUTION · STERIMAX INC
DIN 02504545 · ended Mar 22, 2024 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
MINIMS PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE
2.5% · SOLUTION
DROPS · BAUSCH & LOMB INC
DIN 02148447 · ended Jan 16, 2024 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Resolved
MINIMS PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE
10% · SOLUTION
DROPS · BAUSCH & LOMB INC
DIN 02148455 · ended Jan 16, 2024 · Requirements related to complying with good manufacturing practices.
Avoided
PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION USP 1%
10MG · SOLUTION · OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED
DIN 02238400 · ended Jan 3, 2024 · Demand increase for the drug.
Resolved
MINIMS PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE
2.5% · SOLUTION
DROPS · BAUSCH & LOMB INC
DIN 02148447 · ended Dec 4, 2023 · Packaging
Showing 12 of 35 reports. All reports are on file with Health Canada.
What's happening
Phenylephrine is currently affected by 3 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by OMEGA LABORATORIES LIMITED, PFIZER CANADA ULC, ODAN LABORATORIES LTD.
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.
Phenylephrine is classified under “CARDIAC STIMULANTS EXCL. CARDIAC GLYCOSIDES” (ATC C01CA).
Recent changes
No changes recorded yet.
Common questions
What is Phenylephrine used for?
A decongestant used to relieve a stuffy nose.
When will Phenylephrine be back in stock in Canada?
The latest manufacturer estimate is Aug 24, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.
Why is Phenylephrine 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.