Shortage of ‘first-line’ antibiotic hits as surge in children’s respiratory illnesses strains supply – CBC

Amoxicillin used in treatment of bacterial infections in children

Nov 07, 2022

Doctors and pharmacists in Canada are having trouble finding an important antibiotic for treating bacterial infections in children, and some are insisting a surge in respiratory illnesses is contributing to the shortage.

Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly used antibiotics, especially among young patients. But pharmacists and pediatricians told CBC Toronto they are struggling to find the drug.

“We are entering a shortage situation for a number of the different brands of the amoxicillin suspension. It does look like this supply shortage could run into the new year,” said Jen Belcher, vice president of the Ontario Pharmacists Association.

According to Health Canada four, companies — Sanis Health Inc., Apotex Inc, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. and Teva Canada Limited — are reporting shortages of various products that contain amoxicillin. The federal agency says eight other manufacturers are not reporting shortages at this time.

Shortage of ‘first-line’ antibiotic hits as surge in children’s respiratory illnesses strains supply – CBC

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