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Cefalexin Shortage UK 2026

Current supply status and alternatives for Cefalexin

Source data checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC
May be resolved

Recovery not yet confirmed — the official notice for Cefalexin gave a resupply estimate that has now passed, but DHSC / CPE has not confirmed supply is back to normal (official data last checked 12 November 2026, 06:18 UTC). Local availability may still be disrupted — check with your pharmacy before travelling.

Not medical advice. MediWatch reports official UK medicine supply data; it is not a substitute for advice from a pharmacist, GP or prescriber. Do not stop, change or switch a medicine without speaking to them first. If you are unwell, contact NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency. How we check our information.

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Nearby pharmacies to call about Cefalexin

Enter your postcode to see nearby NHS-registered pharmacies. Stock is not confirmed.

MediWatch does not guarantee live local stock. Call the pharmacy to confirm before travelling, and never stop or change medication without medical advice.

Where to get Cefalexin

  1. Speak to your pharmacist. They may be able to order it from another wholesaler, or suggest a different strength or form.
  2. Ask your GP or prescriber about an alternative if it can't be sourced. Don't stop or switch medicine on your own.
  3. Try other pharmacies. Stock varies between pharmacies. Find nearby pharmacies to call or use the NHS Find a pharmacy service (opens in a new tab).
Home › Shortages › infection › Cefalexin
⚠️ Our data shows national supply status from DHSC, NHSBSA and MHRA. Your local pharmacy may still be temporarily out of stock due to delivery schedules or local demand. Always check with your pharmacist.
Cefalexin is used for treating bacterial infections including UTIs and skin infections (source: NHS medicines A to Z). The most recent official notice for this medication gave a resupply estimate that has passed without confirmed resolution — see the status above. Details of that shortage are below.

Current Shortage Status

This notice has left the official active list because its resupply estimate passed; recovery has not been confirmed. The wording below is what it said when issued.

Cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol for Cefalexin 250mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free. Each protocol sets out exactly what a pharmacist may supply, and until when: check the protocol itself.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol for Cefalexin 125mg/5ml oral suspension sugar free. Each protocol sets out exactly what a pharmacist may supply, and until when: check the protocol itself.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Cefalexin 500mg tablets

Serious Shortage NHSBSA SSP

Serious Shortage Protocol for Cefalexin 500mg tablets. Each protocol sets out exactly what a pharmacist may supply, and until when: check the protocol itself.

⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.

Cefalexin 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml oral suspensions, sugar free

medium DHSC MSN

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Cefalexin 125mg/5ml and 250mg/5ml oral suspensions, sugar free …

Possible Alternatives

Your GP may consider the following alternatives (always consult before switching):

What to Do If You're Affected

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cefalexin in shortage in the UK in 2026?

Recovery not yet confirmed — on 13 May 2026 there were 4 active shortage notifications for Cefalexin in the UK, issued by DHSC or NHSBSA. They have since passed the resupply estimate without DHSC / CPE confirming supply is back to normal, so check with your pharmacy. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.

What is Cefalexin used for?

Cefalexin is commonly prescribed in the UK for treating bacterial infections including UTIs and skin infections. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.

What should I do if I can't get Cefalexin from my pharmacy?

Ask your pharmacist whether a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) covers it and what that protocol allows: each one sets out exactly what can be supplied. If not, contact your GP who can prescribe a suitable alternative. Try other local pharmacies as stock levels vary by location.

What are the alternatives to Cefalexin?

Your GP may consider alternatives including co-amoxiclav, clarithromycin, trimethoprim. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching medications.

Related

infection shortagesComplete shortage listWhat to do Getting an emergency prescription

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Data sources: DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications · NHSBSA Serious Shortage Protocols · MHRA alerts
Page last updated: 6 November 2026. Data checked daily.