What is Tylosin GI used for?

Tylosin GI is indicated for: Chronic diarrhea, Chronic diarrhea (tylosin-responsive diarrhea).

Which species have cited Tylosin GI dosing data?

Tylosin GI dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Is Tylosin GI a controlled substance?

Tylosin GI is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Tylosin GI

US brand names:Tylan Powder

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Contraindicated in Horse (Equine)

Horse (Equine): Tylosin causes severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in horsesPlumb's tylosin monograph states the drug is "contraindicated in horses, as severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea may result; the drug should be used with extreme caution, if at all, in other hindgut fermenters (eg, rabbits)." Tylosin previously carried no species contraindication of any kind in this engine. Added 2026-08-11.

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Tylosin GI is dosed at 10–25 mg/kg PO q12h in dogs, per Hall EJ. Antibiotic-responsive diarrhea in small animals. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2011;41(2):273-286. Weese JS. Bacterial enteritis in dogs and cats: diagnosis, therapy, and zoonotic potential. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2011;41(2):287-309. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1284, Tylosin monograph spanning p.1284-1286. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Gastrointestinal

Indications

Chronic diarrheaChronic diarrhea (tylosin-responsive diarrhea)

Mechanism of Action

Macrolide antibiotic with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on GI mucosa. Mechanism for GI benefit not fully understood — may modify gut flora.

Side effects & warnings

Widely used for chronic diarrhea in dogs responsive to tylosin. Very bitter — mix well with food. Long-term use common. Relapse on discontinuation typical.

Species with Tylosin GI dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Moderate×1Strong×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	10–25 mg/kg	q12h	Strong	Hall EJ. Antibiotic-responsive diarrhea in small animals. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2011;41(2):273-286. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.12.004; Weese JS. Bacterial enteritis in dogs and cats: diagnosis, therapy, and zoonotic potential. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2011;41(2):287-309. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.12.005 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1284, Tylosin monograph spanning p.1284-1286.
Cat (Domestic)	PO	5–10 mg/kg	q12h	Moderate	Lappin MR. Diagnosis and treatment of cryptosporidium and isospora in cats. Presented at: World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress; 2011.; Weese JS. Bacterial enteritis in dogs and cats: diagnosis, therapy, and zoonotic potential. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2011;41(2):287-309. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1284, Tylosin monograph spanning p.1284-1286.

Backed by 2 published sourcesShow

· Hall EJ. Antibiotic-responsive diarrhea in small animals. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2011;41(2):273-286. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.12.004; Weese JS. Bacterial enteritis in dogs and cats: diagnosis, therapy, and zoonotic potential. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2011;41(2):287-309. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.12.005 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1284, Tylosin monograph spanning p.1284-1286.
· Lappin MR. Diagnosis and treatment of cryptosporidium and isospora in cats. Presented at: World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress; 2011.; Weese JS. Bacterial enteritis in dogs and cats: diagnosis, therapy, and zoonotic potential. Vet Clin North Am Small Animal Pract. 2011;41(2):287-309. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2010.12.005 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1284, Tylosin monograph spanning p.1284-1286.

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Other formulations of Tylosin

Tylosin