CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson,
Medication: Tylosin
Medication: Tylosin
Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient Tylosin to manage antibiotic-responsive diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or to treat cryptosporidiosis and colitis.
Key points:
• Antibiotic.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Labeled for food-producing animals but used commonly in an extralabel fashion in companion animals such as dogs, cats, and small mammals.
• Dosage: daily or twice daily.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Tylosin (TYE-lo-sin).
Brand name
- Tylan®.
- Tyluvet, Bilosin.
Class of drug
- Macrolide antibiotic.
Storage
- Store at room temperature in a tight container protected from light and moisture.
Why has my cat been prescribed tylosin?
Your veterinarian has prescribed tylosin for the management of antibiotic-responsive diarrhea (caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), inflammatory bowel disease, or cryptosporidiosis, or colitis.
How is the medication given?
Tylosin is given orally as a soluble powder, or your veterinarian may have prescribed a compounded capsule. It can be given with or without food. As tylosin has a bitter taste, placing the dose of powder in an empty gelatin capsule or hiding in a favorite food may make it more palatable.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Tylosin may cause gastrointestinal disturbances (mild diarrhea, and stomach upset). Tylosin should never be given to horses as it may result in a fatal colitis.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
The duration of therapy for tylosin depends on the condition for which your veterinarian has prescribed this medication. Typically, the medication is given as your veterinarian has prescribed until at least 7 days after the treated condition has resolved. In chronic conditions, tylosin may need to be given all the time.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused tylosin safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save tylosin for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Tylosin should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household.
- Do not give to dogs or cats that are allergic to it or similar drugs (eg erythromycin, azithromycin).
- Never give tylosin to a horse.
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on tylosin?
There are no specific tests needed while your cat is taking tylosin. Your veterinarian may monitor that the medication is working.
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.
