Proparacaine (Alcaine) shortage status

Partial shortage

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

Some Proparacaine 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.

A local anesthetic eye drop used to numb the eye for exams and procedures.

Products affected

1 / 2

In shortage since

Apr 15, 2016

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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If your product stays unavailable, 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

ODAN-PROPARACAINE

.5% · SOLUTION · ODAN LABORATORIES LTD

DIN 00622974 · since Apr 15, 2016, no end estimate · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.

Resolved

ALCAINE

0.5% · DROPS · ALCON CANADA INC

DIN 00035076 · ended May 21, 2025 · Shortage of an active ingredient.

Resolved

ALCAINE

0.5% · DROPS · ALCON CANADA INC

DIN 00035076 · ended Apr 15, 2019 · Shortage of an inactive ingredient or component.

Resolved

ALCAINE

0.5% · DROPS · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC

DIN 00035076 · ended Oct 10, 2017 · Delay in shipping of the drug.

What's happening

Proparacaine is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by 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.

Proparacaine is classified under “LOCAL ANESTHETICS” (ATC S01HA).

Recent changes

No changes recorded yet.

Common questions

What is Proparacaine used for?

A local anesthetic eye drop used to numb the eye for exams and procedures.

When will Proparacaine 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 Proparacaine 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.