Tilmicosin

Major Uses

Tilmicosin is a macrolide antibiotic that is used in cattle, sheep, rabbits, and swine. It is primarily used to treat bovine or ovine respiratory diseases caused by mannheimia haemolytica.

Common Precautions

Death may occur if tilmicosin is administered using an automatically powered syringe, or if it is given to the patient intravenously. This is especially true when injections of tilmicosin are used in swine and horses. Tilmicosin should not come in contact with the eyes. Caution should be used when administering tilmicosin to camelids, as severe reactions can occur.

Intramuscular injections of tilmicosin may result in trim loss. When given as a subcutaneous injection, edema may occur. Caution should be used when administering tilmicosin to pregnant animals because safety has not yet been determined.

Tilmicosin should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is suspected, the symptoms of which can be increased respiration, emesis, seizures, and death.

Storage

Tilmicosin should be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. The drug should be kept in a light resistant, childproof container that is tightly sealed. Care should be taken to keep tilmicosin in a place where it cannot be reached by children and pets.

Administration

When administering tilmicosin to cattle, a typical dose is 10 mg/kg every 3 days. For fighting susceptible infections in sheep, a typical dose is 10 mg/kg, but the drug should not be given to lambs under 33 lbs in weight. For rabbits, a typical dose ranges from 5-25 mg/kg every 3-7 days. Should a scheduled dose be forgotten, it should be administered as soon as possible. If the next scheduled dose is near, the missed dose should be skipped and the normal administration schedule should contine. No matter what, two doses should not be administered at the same time, as an overdose may occur.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.