Tylosin

Major Uses

Tylosin is a macrolide antibiotic that is most commonly used in cattle and swine to treat chronic colitis. It is sometimes used in dogs and cats for the same purpose. It can also be useful in cats as an immunomodulating agent when treating Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Common Precautions

Animals that are hypersensitive to tylosin or macrolide antibiotics should not use this drug. It should not be used in horses, as it has a history of causing severe to fatal diarrhea. Tylosin, while generally considered safe in pregnant animals, should not be used in those that are close to term.

The most common negative side effects associated with tylosin include pain and local reactions at intramuscular injection sites, anorexia, and diarrhea. Some negative effects observed specifically in swine include mild anal protrusions with pruritus, erythema, and diarrhea, as well as edema of rectal mucosa.

Tylosin should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if any concerning symptoms occur or if an overdose is suspected.

Storage

Tylosin should be tightly sealed and kept in a light resistant, childproof container at room temperature. It should not be mixed with other drugs and may become unstable in acidic media. Tylosin should be kept in a place where it cannot be reached by children or pets.

Administration

A standard dose of tylosin in dogs is 10-40 mg/kg once or twice daily. For cats, a standard dose is 10-40 mg/kg two or three times a day. For cattle, a normal dose is 5-44 mg/kg once a day. A typical dose for swine is 5-12.5 mg/kg twice daily. Should a dose be forgotten, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is nearing time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regularly scheduled dose should be administered instead. 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.