Tylosin

General Description: Tylosin is a n oral macrolide antibiotic used in dogs and cats to treat many infections (ex. ear, respiratory, skin and genitourinary tract infections). Tylosin may also be used to treat some types of diarrhea. Tylosin is available as a powder which can be mixed with your pet’s food, or it can be compounded by a special pharmacy into capsules which may be more readily accepted by your pet.

What is this drug?

Tylosin is a macrolide antibiotic
Tylosin is given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:

Useful to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including ear, respiratory, skin, urinary and uterine infections plus certain types of diarrhea in dogs and cats
For the treatment of chronic diarrhea
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to tylosin or other antibiotics
Use with caution in pregnant and lactating animals
Directions:

This medication is usually given with food two times daily.

Tylosin is only available commercially as a powder. Unfortunately, due to its natural bitter taste, hiding it in the pet’s food may not be effective. Your veterinarian may instruct you on how to administer the powder mixed in food or water, or perhaps have it compounded into capsules that will be more readily accepted by your pet.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs. Finish the entire course of treatment.

Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.

What if dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:

If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:

Store powder and capsules in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Discard liquid solutions made with tylosin after three days.

Not for use in horses.

People should not take this product. Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Pet owners allergic to macrolides and/or other antibiotics should avoid handling this drug.

Potential side effects:

Decrease in appetite, nausea, vomiting and slight worsening of existing diarrhea
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has a medical problem or side effect from this product’s therapy
Can this drug be given with other drugs?

Yes, but possible interactions may occur with digoxin.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, tylosin should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about tylosin. If you have any questions or concerns about tylosin or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.

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