Tylosin
Also known as: Tylan, Tylan Soluble, Bilosin, Tyluvet
> **Important:** Tylosin powder is notoriously bitter and foul-tasting. Most pets will refuse to eat it if it is simply sprinkled on top of their food. **Tips for Administration:** * **Capsules:** The easiest way to give the powder is to have your veterinarian or a compounding pharmacy place the exact dose into empty gelatin capsules. * **The Butter Trick:** If capsules aren't an option, melt about ¼ teaspoon of butter, mix the proper dose of tylosin powder into it, place it in a mini ice-cube tray, and freeze it into a "pill" that can be hidden in a treat. **General Guidance:** * Follow your veterinarian's dosage recommendations carefully. * If treating chronic diarrhea, do not stop the medication abruptly even if your pet's stool returns to normal, as the diarrhea often returns quickly without the medication. * Tylosin is generally very well tolerated, but contact your veterinarian if you notice any adverse effects like vomiting or loss of appetite.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive treatment of IBD
- IBD or diarrheas caused by C. perfringens
- IBD
- Clostridial colitis
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Initial therapy for upper respiratory infections (mycoplasma suspected)
- Initial therapy of upper respiratory infections and air sacculitis
- Susceptible infections
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Pain and local reactions at IM injection sites
- Mild GI upset (anorexia, diarrhea) in small animals
- Severe/fatal diarrhea in horses (any route)
- Severe diarrhea in ruminants (PO)
- Swine: edema of rectal mucosa, mild anal protrusion with pruritus, erythema, and diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Pain at the site of injection
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tylosin or other macrolide antibiotics
- Horses (causes severe and potentially fatal dysbiosis/diarrhea)
- No specific contraindications available in the monograph
- Use cautiously in pregnant animals (Class B). **Strictly avoid oral administration in ruminants and any route in horses** due to the risk of fatal dysbiosis. Macrolides may cause falsely elevated AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) values when using colorimetric assays, and can alter fluorometric determinations of urinary catecholamines.
Drug interactions
- Digoxin: May increase digoxin blood levels, potentially resulting in toxicity
Frequently asked questions
What is Tylosin used for in pets?
> **Important:** Tylosin powder is notoriously bitter and foul-tasting. Most pets will refuse to eat it if it is simply sprinkled on top of their food. **Tips for Administration:** * **Capsules:** The easiest way to give the powder is to have your veterinarian or a compounding pharmacy place the exact dose into empty gelatin capsules. * **The Butter Trick:** If capsules aren't an option, melt about ¼ teaspoon of butter, mix the proper dose of tylosin powder into it, place it in a mini ice-cube tray, and freeze it into a "pill" that can be hidden in a treat. **General Guidance:** * Follow your veterinarian's dosage recommendations carefully. * If treating chronic diarrhea, do not stop the medication abruptly even if your pet's stool returns to normal, as the diarrhea often returns quickly without the medication. * Tylosin is generally very well tolerated, but contact your veterinarian if you notice any adverse effects like vomiting or loss of appetite.
Is Tylosin safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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