Tylosin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Tylosin for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine, and it does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Tylosin is a type of antibiotic medicine.
Other common names
- Tylan
Uses
This medicine is approved for use in several kinds of animals, but it is not specifically approved for dogs and cats. Your veterinarian may still choose to prescribe it for dogs and cats in a way that is outside the label directions for:
- Treating certain bacterial infections
- Helping with diarrhea and long-term bowel irritation (inflammatory bowel disease)
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely risk-free for every animal. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is taking
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use:
- In animals that have had an allergic reaction to tylosin or to similar antibiotics, including erythromycin or azithromycin
- In rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other small “pocket pets.” In these animals, tylosin may cause serious harm or death.
Use with caution:
- In animals that are taking digoxin
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is on this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Put on gloves when handling tylosin, and wash your hands afterward. If it touches human skin, it can cause a rash.
- Do not breathe in the tylosin powder. Breathing it in may lead to trouble breathing.
- Keep tylosin powder away from the eyes because it can irritate them.
How do I give this medication?
- Tylosin for pets in Perth is an antibiotic used for some bacterial infections and for irritation in the intestines.
- You can give it with food or without food. Giving it with food may reduce stomach upset.
- The powder tastes very bitter. Putting the measured powder into an empty capsule may make it easier to give.
- Common unwanted effects include loose stool/diarrhea or a reduced appetite.
- Give the full treatment course. Do this even if your animal seems better before the medicine is finished.
- When handling the powder, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward because it can cause a skin rash. Do not inhale the powder and do not let it get near your eyes because it can irritate.
- Do not give this medicine to rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents, or other pocket pets. In these animals, tylosin can be harmful or fatal.
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
Side effects of Tylosin for pets
Common — call your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Fever, skin rashes, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of an allergic reaction to the medicine.
How will I know it's working?
Your pet should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, the medicine will no longer work within 24 hours.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be prescribed for different time periods. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. You may need another fill of the prescription.
It is important to complete the entire treatment course, even if your animal seems improved.
Overdose
Tylosin is usually safe even if too much is given, but if you see or think an overdose happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service (a consultation fee may apply):
Have the container or the label available if you can.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the normal schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the usual scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep it in the original container at room temperature.
- Store it in a dry place.
- Close the lid tightly to keep moisture out.
- Keep it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in the toilet and do not pour it down a sink. This medicine is very harmful to aquatic life.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medication take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Combine the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”