Pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine) shortage status

Widespread shortage

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

Pilocarpine is in a widespread shortage in Canada. 4 of 6 reported products are affected. Manufacturers have not committed to a recovery date.

A medication used as eye drops to treat glaucoma and as tablets to treat dry mouth.

Products affected

4 / 6

In shortage since

Apr 16, 2015

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.

Book a pharmacist appointment

Need your prescription switched?

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

See a doctor online

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

PILOCARPINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP

5MG · TABLET · STERIMAX INC

DIN 02402483 · since Apr 16, 2015, no end estimate · BUSINESS REASONS

Active shortage

ODAN-PILOCARPINE

4% · SOLUTION · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD

DIN 00627755 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Active shortage

ODAN-PILOCARPINE

2% · SOLUTION · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD

DIN 00627747 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Active shortage

ODAN-PILOCARPINE

1% · Solution · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD

DIN 00627739 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Resolved

ISOPTO CARPINE

2% · LIQUID · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC

DIN 00000868 · ended Sep 9, 2022 · Delay in shipping of the drug.

Discontinued

ISOPTO CARPINE

4% · LIQUID · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC

DIN 00000884

What's happening

Pilocarpine is currently affected by 4 active shortage reports filed with Health Canada by STERIMAX INC, ODAN LABORATORIES LTD.

The reported causes are: business reasons; 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.

Pilocarpine is classified under “ANTIGLAUCOMA PREPARATIONS AND MIOTICS” (ATC S01EB).

Recent changes

No changes recorded yet.

Common questions

What is Pilocarpine used for?

A medication used as eye drops to treat glaucoma and as tablets to treat dry mouth.

When will Pilocarpine 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 Pilocarpine 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.

Email alerts

Get an email when this drug's status changes. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe.

Possible alternatives in the same class (antiglaucoma preparations and miotics)

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.

Apraclonidine (Iopidine) No current shortage Latanoprostene Bunod (Vyzulta) No current shortage Methazolamide No current shortage Timolol Brinzolamide No current shortage Acetylcholine Chloride (Miochol-E) Partial shortage 1 of 1 reported products affected · est. return Oct 1, 2026 Bimatoprost (Vistitan) Partial shortage 1 of 2 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.