The lack of amoxicillin used to treat infections in children is frustrating for parents

Pharmacies across the United States are facing industry-wide shortages of amoxicillin, which is commonly prescribed to treat a variety of childhood infections, including ear infections, strep throat and pneumonia.

Supply restrictions are hitting pharmacies as children return to school and infections spread. A spokesperson for the pharmacy chain, CVS Health, said its stores are facing shortages of some forms of the drug nationwide.

“There is a shortage of suppliers industry-wide for certain doses of amoxicillin, and we are working with manufacturers to replenish supplies as quickly as possible,” a CVS spokesperson said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch.

The spokesperson noted that when a drug runs out in a particular location, CVS pharmacy teams help patients find amoxicillin in nearby locations, and also work with prescribers to identify appropriate alternative medications for patients.

Walgreens did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the drug shortage.

The shortage comes as many children across the United States are returning to school, which increases the risk of infection. Two school districts in Kentucky are closed this week due to high rates of disease in their communities.

“All schools in Magoffin County will be closed Thursday and Friday (8/24 and 8/25) due to the spread of the disease.” School District He said Wednesday.

Lee County Schools too canceled classes This week after several students and staff contracted the coronavirus, sore throats, flu and other illnesses, NBC News mentioned.

The Food and Drug Administration first acknowledged the shortage last fall. Add amoxicillin Products to the list of medicines that are in short supply. The US Food and Drug Administration said increased demand for the drug had led to the shortage.

A congressional report on the risks of drug shortages in the United States also cited manufacturing bottlenecks and other supply chain disruptions, strong consumer demand, and overprescription by doctors as drivers of the shortage.

There is a shortage of liquid forms of the drug that are suitable for children who cannot swallow pills, according to the FDA’s list. It is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and other pharmaceutical companies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) compiled a existing An alternative antibiotic option for common pediatric conditions. If available, the best alternatives are other forms of amoxicillin, in the form of tablets, capsules, or in chewable form.

“The tablets can be split/crushed to mix with any liquid or semi-solid, such as applesauce. They can be given orally or by tube,” according to the AAP.

Health systems such as hospitals are also short of liquid forms of amoxicillin, according to Vizient, which negotiates drug contracts for more than 60% of the country’s health systems.

“As we get into the fall and winter seasons, we’re starting to see an early rise in demand for amoxicillin already,” Mittal Sutaria, senior vice president of pharmacy contracts and program services at Vizient, told CBS MoneyWatch. “We will have to see how things play out, will they get more intense as demand increases or if we have enough supply. Sometimes proactive buying leads to supply challenges.”

Other drugs have appeared recently, from children’s Tylenol to cancer drugs It was in short supply in the United States