Skip to main content

Tylosin

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Tylosin is a macrolide antibiotic similar to erythromycin. It is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, spirochetes, Chlamydophila and Mycoplasma organisms. Tylosin is usually used to treat certain types of diarrhea in cats. It may also be used to treat bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, rhinitis, sinusitis, cellulitis, ear infections, inflammation of the urinary bladder, inflammation of the uterus, inflammation of the endometrium, and inflammation of the skin.  

How do I give this medication?medications

  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • Give this medication for as long as prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears the pet is feeling better. This will help to ensure the infection is all cleared up.
  • Give this medication with food.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
  • DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
  • Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store capsules, liquid and powder in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
  • Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

What are the potential side effects?

"Occasionally there is an initial worsening of diarrhea before improvement is seen."
  • Tylosin may cause mild stomach upset, lack of appetite and diarrhea. If these symptoms continue, contact your veterinarian.
  • Occasionally there is an initial worsening of diarrhea before improvement is seen.
  • Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Are there any possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication or supplements you are giving your pet.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, and sometimes a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • Drug interactions with tylosin have not been well documented. However, digitalis is known to interact with tylosin.
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

REMEMBER! READ THE LABEL.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jul 8, 2016.