What is Terramycin for Cats?

Cat

Pet owners know when their cats are feeling under the weather. They either show symptoms of sickness or have a general malaise. That’s when it’s time to take them to their healthcare providers for a checkup. If your veterinarian prescribes Terramycin for your cat, the pet likely has some type of eye infection. If you’re not familiar with this medicine, you probably have a lot of questions about it. While most vets explain the treatments with their benefits and risks to pet owners, sometimes things get busy and not all questions get answers. We offer everything you need to know about the safety, effectiveness, and uses of Terramycin for cats.

What is Terramycin for cats?

Terramycin is an antibiotic for the treatment of eye infections in cats. Zoetisus explains that Terramycin is the registered brand name for the drug oxytetracycline Hydrochloride. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic in ophthalmic ointment form. Terramycin contains Polymyxin B Sulfate. it is effective in killing Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, combining an antibacterial agent with the effects of polymyxin B for synergistic action. It is particularly effective in combatting Pseudomonas aeuginosa.

What is Terramycin used to treat?

Terramycin is prescribed for dogs and cats diagnosed with ocular infections. Terramycin Ophthalmic ointment goes directly to the source of the problem to kill the bacteria responsible. Terramycin treats a broad spectrum of eye infections. Vets recommend it for pink eye, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, blepharitis, and keratitis. It also cures other infection types. Your vet might prescribe Terramycin to treat eye injuries. The vet might advise treating cats at risk of infection. They may proceed with this medicine if they see signs of the start of a problem. Terramycin is sometimes prescribed for pets with viral infections but it will not help to cure them. It is sometimes a precautionary treatment to prevent common simultaneously occurring infections with some viruses. If your pet’s attending vet notices any sign that an eye infection is beginning, he may prescribe this ointment to prevent the advancement of an eye infection that is just starting.

Is Terramycin safe for cats?

There is always a risk of allergic reaction to any medication. It is rare, but it can happen. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to Terramycin ophthalmic ointment are itching, pawing at the eyes, swelling of the eyelid, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing. Signs of an allergic reaction usually appear within four hours of receiving this drug. Contact your pet’s healthcare professional immediately if your cat shows any of these symptoms or wheezes have facial swelling, vomiting, or weakness. Your cat will need an emergency visit for treatment. You should monitor your cat with any new medication for the first few days.

Are there side effects with Terramycin?

Not all cats experience side effects from Terramycin, but some do. Side effects in cats are rare, but the most common include swelling of the eyelid and blurry vision. Your cat may not be able to see well, and he may bump into objects when walking. The medication creates a temporary film over the eyes that will abate soon after the dosage. Another rare symptom is itching and stinging in the eyes. Your cat may try to rub his face against rugs or furniture to remove the ointment from his eyes.

Is Terramycin approved for use in cats?

1-800 Pet Meds confirms that Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for veterinary use. It is not only approved for use in cats, but also in dogs, and horses. FDA approval is a seal of approval that provides a higher level of confidence that this medication has undergone rigorous laboratory and field trials and is safe and effective. Vets prescribe Terramycin on-label for its intended purposes because of its high effectiveness and low-risk ratio.

How effective is Terramycin for cats?

Terramycin is effective for some but not all eye infections in cats. It is the most effective for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycoplasma conjunctivitis, and Chlamydia. It is effective in killing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Terramycin does not work to treat viral infections, but it can treat secondary bacterial infections that arise because of a primary viral infection.

Can Terramycin be used with other medications?

Terramycin might get prescribed with some other medications, including antiviral drugs. There is a risk of combining antibiotics with other drugs, as the animal’s resistance to these drugs may increase, lowering their effectiveness. One drug interaction warning exists for Terramycin. You shouldn’t give it to your cat with Immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid, which is rarely, if ever, given to cats. It is possible for a weakened response if Terramycin is given with other antibiotics, but not definite. If your vet prescribes this medication in conjunction with others, it is likely because the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Terramycin is generally safe to give with other medicines. You need to inform your pet’s healthcare provider about all other medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies your cat takes.

How do you use Terramycin for cats?

Terramycin is an ophthalmic treatment applied directly to the cat’s eyes topically. It is typically used twice per day at twelve-hour intervals. The medicine comes in a tube of brightly yellow-colored ointment. Squeeze out enough to fill the sac at the bottom of the lower eyelid. Pull it out slightly, and put the medicine inside. Your cat will blink. The blinking action causes the medication to spread to the necessary places on its own. Avoid touching the tip of the tube with your fingers, and do not allow it to come in contact with the cat’s eye. It will spoil the medication inside and render it useless. The average treatment duration is between two to three weeks. Some healthcare providers may increase the application regiment to four times daily, depending on the severity of the infection. You should wear gloves when applying this medication, and wash your hands after handling. Take care to calm the cat before using this medication to avoid getting scratched or bitten. You may also wrap a soft clean towel around your cat’s head to hold him still during the process. We cannot stress the need to take these safety measures enough. Talk in a reassuring voice, and offer your kitty treats for complying to help make the routine go more smoothly for all parties concerned. Your cat may not like the process, but most cats become accustomed to the routine and resist it less when they are comforted and given a treat. Do not discontinue this treatment until you get the all-clear from the vet. Stopping the treatment too early can result in a resurgence of the infection with a higher level of resistance to the treatment. Complete the course of treatment as directed by your pet’s doctor.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Terramycin for your cat, administer the ointment as soon as you remember. Do not administer the doses too close together. If you’re an hour or two late, administer, then get back on the regular dosing schedule. If you’re more than halfway to the next dosage time, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. There is no evidence to suggest that you can overdose your cat with this medication but it’s best to not take that chance. The prescribed doses and schedule have been proven over time and trials to be the most effective way to cure your cat’s eye infection. Deviation from the schedule might interfere with the results.

How much does Terramycin for cats cost?

Wag Walking explains that the average retail cost of Terramycin ophthalmic ointment ranges from $19 to $22 per tube. If you purchased pet insurance with a prescription benefit, this medication will qualify for a discount. While it may seem expensive, it is an effective medication for improving your cat’s health and well-being. One tube is usually sufficient to complete the course of treatment for your cat.

Can you buy Terramycin for cats without a prescription?

You cannot buy Terramycin for cats without a prescription from an animal healthcare provider if you live in the State of California. This medicine is often supplied by veterinarian clinics. If your pet’s healthcare provider does not offer the service it is available with a prescription through pharmacies that carry veterinary supplies and through multiple online vendors. If you live in a state other than California, Terramycin is available without a prescription. It is commonly sold as an over-the-counter medication for cats. It’s recommended that you only purchase this product through a reputable vendor. Some disreputable companies manufacture knock-off products that cost less but may contain weaker versions of the active drugs, or other ingredients that can be harmful to your pet. Some companies offer online veterinary services to examine your pet via video and authorize prescriptions, but we urge you to exercise caution. It’s best to take your pet to a licensed vet for a physical examination whenever possible if you live in California.

Can Terramycin be used on kittens?

Pet Coach confirms that Terramycin can be used for kittens that are diagnosed with a bacterial infection. If you live in a state other than California, you can purchase this medication over the counter, without a prescription. It’s strongly recommended that you do not until your kitten is seen by animal healthcare professional. Kittens are vulnerable to a host of viral infections that can cause gunk to form in their eyes. You could inadvertently treat the kitten for the wrong condition, while the virus could continue to make him sicker. You should take young kittens to a vet for a thorough physical examination and testing to confirm the cause of an eye infection. Many well-meaning pet owners provide their pets with the wrong treatment options, resulting in a decline in health. If your kitten is diagnosed with a bacterial eye infection that Terramycin is intended to fight, by all means, administer the drug.

Is Terramycin safe for pregnant and nursing cats?

Terramycin is not recommended for use in pregnant and nursing humans. Many vets do not prescribe Terramycin to pregnant or nursing cats but favor other antibiotics which are less likely to cause damage to kittens still in developmental stages. Other suitable drugs may include penicillin-based medications, macrolides, lincosamides, and cephalosporins. there is much that is unknown about the safety of Terramycin in pregnant cats.

Final thoughts

Terramycin for cats is a medication that treats eye infections caused by specific types of bacteria. The drug is effective in killing the bacteria that cause infection. You must have a prescription to buy this medication in the state of California, but it is available over the counter in all other states, without a prescription. The typical dose is between two to four times daily. The medication is loaded into the bottom lid of the eyes, observing sterile processes, and safety protocols to avoid getting scratched or bitten by your cat. This medication is usually given daily for two to four weeks. A diagnosis of bacterial infection before use is essential because Terramycin is not effective for curing viral infections which can also cause eye infections in cats. You can use this medication for kittens and adult cats, but you should monitor them closely for signs of an allergic reaction for the first few days. Most reactions occur within four hours. Terramycin is approved for the treatment of eye infections in cats by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is an effective and relatively safe treatment option for most cats, with few side effects. It is a bit expensive, but it works quickly to kill the bacteria causing your cat’s eyes to gunk up.

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