Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; also has anti-inflammatory and prokinetic properties in the GI tract
At a glance
Class
Macrolide antibiotic
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture
Dosing
Chronic enteropathy / Antibiotic-responsive diarrhoea / Colitis
Max dose
1000 mg/dose; 3000 mg/day
Duration: 4–6 weeks, may need long-term
Chronic diarrhoea / Cryptosporidium
Max dose
200 mg/dose; 400 mg/day
Duration: 4–6 weeks
Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Hepatic disease
Hepatic metabolism
Adverse effects
Common
Anorexia
Soft stools (initial)
Pain at injection site (IM)
Serious
Hepatotoxicity (rare)
Allergic reactions
Clinical response (stool quality)Hepatic enzymes with prolonged use
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Tylosin?
Tylosin is a macrolide antibiotic used in pets. Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; also has anti-inflammatory and prokinetic properties in the GI tract
›What is Tylosin used for in pets?
Tylosin is used in veterinary medicine for: Chronic enteropathy / Antibiotic-responsive diarrhoea / Colitis; Chronic diarrhoea / Cryptosporidium.
›What is the Tylosin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Tylosin is typically dosed as follows — Chronic enteropathy / Antibiotic-responsive diarrhoea / Colitis: 10–25 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Tylosin dose for cats?
For cats, Tylosin is typically dosed as follows — Chronic diarrhoea / Cryptosporidium: 10–20 mg/kg PO BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Tylosin?
Common: Anorexia, Soft stools (initial), Pain at injection site (IM). Serious (call your vet immediately): Hepatotoxicity (rare), Allergic reactions.
›Does Tylosin need a prescription?
Yes. Tylosin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Tylosin not be used?
Do not use Tylosin if: Known macrolide hypersensitivity.
References
CDSCO approvals (India) — 1
Tylosin Tartrate
M/s Srini Biologicals Hyderabad · Approved 1980-May
Antimicrobial aid in the treatment of chronic respiratory disease in chicken ad for maintaining weight gain and feed eff
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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