3850 Grand View Blvd. - Los Angeles, CA 90066 - Phone:(310) 391-6741 - Fax:(310) 391-6744 - Email: MarVistaAMC@gmail.com
(310)391-6741
marvistavet.com
TYLOSIN (for veterinary information only) BRAND NAME: TYLAN
Available in
BACKGROUND In simple terms, tylosin is a natural antibiotic made by bacteria. It acts by interfering with the protein manufacturing abilities of other bacteria. It only affects bacterial protein manufacture and thus does not affect protein manufacture by mammals, birds or reptiles. Tylosin is an antibiotic of the macrolide class (same class as erythromycin).
HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED
Tylosin can also be used in ferrets, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and pocket pets. Tylosin can be given with our without food. If a dose is accidentally skipped, do not double up on the next dose; simply pick up as usual.
SIDE EFFECTS While there is definite side effect potential in large animal species, dogs in particular can tolerate very high doses of tylosin with no adverse effects. The biggest problem with small animal use seems to be the especially foul taste of tylosin which necessitates formulation into capsules, which is usually done by a compounding pharmacy. Tylosin may falsely elevate certain liver blood tests (ALT and AST).
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS Tylosin can increase digoxin blood levels and should be used cautiously in patients taking digoxin for heart failure.
CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS In the past there have been several tylosin products marketed without prescription for control of tear staining. Some listed the amount of tylosin they contain and some did not. There is controversy in the use of an antibiotic in an unprescribed manner for what is basically a cosmetic problem. The first controversy is whether or not it is appropriate to use an unknown amount of medication in animal for any reason (in the case of products that do not even list the amount of tylosin they contain). The second issue regards the implications of antibiotic overuse
Casual use of antibiotics is responsible for antibiotic resistance of bacteria in the environment and, in general, bacteria that become resistant to tylosin also become resistant to erythromycin and possibly even other antibiotics. Since tear-staining is simply a cosmetic issue, perhaps non-antibiotic treatment could be used instead. For more details on this please visit the page on epiphora. Losing the reliable efficacy of antibiotics has life-threatening implications for both human beings as well as animals and we must be judicious in their use.
Short version (to help us comply with "Lizzie's Law") Page last updated: 5/23/2022 |