Terramycin Eye Ointment for Cats and Dogs: Uses and Side Effects
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Terramycin® is a prescription antibiotic eye ointment used to treat certain bacterial eye infections in cats and dogs.
It contains two antibiotics—oxytetracycline and polymyxin B—and may be prescribed for conditions including pink eye, corneal ulcers, inflamed corneas, and eyelid inflammation.
Because eye problems can also be caused by conditions that Terramycin® does not treat, always speak with your veterinarian before using it in your cat or dog.
Key Takeaways
- Terramycin® is an FDA-approved prescription antibiotic eye ointment used to treat certain bacterial eye infections in cats and dogs.
- Its active ingredients are oxytetracycline and polymyxin B.
- Terramycin® may be prescribed for pink eye, corneal ulcers, inflamed corneas, and eyelid inflammation.
- Life-threatening allergic reactions can occur, especially in cats, and require immediate veterinary attention.
- Use Terramycin® exactly as directed by your veterinarian and complete treatment for as long as instructed.
What Is Terramycin for Cats and Dogs?
Terramycin eye ointment is a prescription veterinary broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial eye infections in cats and dogs.
Terramycin may be used to treat eye conditions including:
- Pink eye
- Corneal ulcers (open sores on the clear surface of the eye)
- Inflamed corneas
- Eyelid inflammation
Terramycin may also help treat eye infections associated with body-wide infectious diseases, such as distemper in dogs.
Terramycin is an FDA-approved antibiotic eye ointment available by prescription from your veterinarian for certain bacterial eye infections in dogs and cats.
Not all eye problems should be treated with Terramycin. Eye issues in dogs and cats can also be caused by viral infections, inflammation, or glaucoma, conditions for which Terramycin may not be appropriate.
Always speak with your veterinarian first to determine whether Terramycin is right for your pet.
How Does Terramycin Work in Cats and Dogs?
Terramycin works through two active ingredients—oxytetracycline and polymyxin B—that work together to kill a wide range of bacteria.
- Oxytetracycline kills susceptible bacteria by disrupting their ability to make certain proteins required for survival. It can also help heal corneal ulcers by blocking specific proteins that damage the cornea.
- Polymyxin B kills organisms by altering their cell membranes.
Antibiotic resistance: Misuse of antibiotics, including Terramycin ophthalmic ointment, can result in the overgrowth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria or fungal infections in the eye.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet's infection does not resolve or worsens.
How To Apply Terramycin Eye Ointment to Cats and Dogs
Apply Terramycin eye ointment exactly as directed by your veterinarian. A ¼-inch strip is typically applied to the affected eye(s) two to four times per day, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Follow these steps when applying Terramycin:
- Wash your hands before administering Terramycin or any other eye medication.
- Do not touch the applicator tip with your finger, your pet's eye, or any other object to avoid contamination.
- Gently pull down your pet's lower eyelid and apply a ¼-inch strip of ointment into the space between the eyelid and eye. When your pet blinks, the eyelid will spread the medication over the surface of the eye.
- Gently wipe any remaining medication from your pet's skin or face with a tissue or damp washcloth.
- Wait five to 10 minutes before applying any other eye medications.
- Contact your veterinarian if you have difficulty administering Terramycin or have questions about the treatment.
Handling precautions: Terramycin belongs to a class of antibiotics called tetracyclines. Pregnant women and people who are sensitive to tetracycline antibiotics should use caution when handling this medication.
Wearing gloves while administering Terramycin and washing your hands afterward can help minimize exposure.
Missed a Dose?
If you miss a dose of Terramycin, apply the medication when you remember and then resume your normal dosing schedule.
Do not apply extra or double doses.
Terramycin Side Effects in Cats and Dogs
Terramycin ophthalmic ointment is typically well tolerated, but eye irritation or redness may occur. Life-threatening allergic reactions can also occur, especially in cats, and often require emergency veterinary care.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops signs of an allergic reaction, including:
- Swelling of the face
- Itching
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
Young or pregnant animals: Talk to your veterinarian before using Terramycin in young or pregnant animals. Medications in the same class as Terramycin (tetracyclines) can impact bone development and cause discoloration of the teeth in young, growing animals. High doses or long-term use can delay growth and healing.
Human Side Effects
Terramycin is not used in human medicine. Humans should never use medication dispensed for their pets, and pets should not be given medication dispensed for human use.
If you are allergic to tetracycline antibiotics, are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, use caution when administering Terramycin. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about alternative medications.
If you accidentally ingest Terramycin or use it in your own eye, call your physician or the National Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Monitoring Your Pet
No specific monitoring is required for Terramycin, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your pet's individual needs, other medications they may be taking, and the condition being treated.
When To Call Your Veterinarian
Call your veterinarian if:
- Your pet develops side effects.
- Your pet's condition worsens or does not improve with treatment.
- You see or suspect an overdose.
- You have additional questions or concerns about the use of Terramycin.
Terramycin Overdose in Cats and Dogs
An overdose can occur if your cat or dog eats or otherwise consumes Terramycin ophthalmic ointment.
If this occurs, immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center. Consultation fees may apply.
- Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
How To Store Terramycin Eye Ointment
Store Terramycin eye ointment at room temperature between 68–77 F (20–25 C).
Storage instructions:
- Brief exposure to temperatures between 59–86 F (15–30 C) is acceptable.
- Keep the lid tightly closed when not in use.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Always confirm storage requirements by reviewing the medication label.
Terramycin for Cats and Dogs FAQs
How long should I give my pet Terramycin?
Give Terramycin for as long as directed by your veterinarian, even if your pet's symptoms improve, unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.
Your veterinarian will determine the length of treatment based on your pet's signs and type of infection. Typically, treatment continues for a few days after signs of the infection resolve.
Where can I buy Terramycin for cats and dogs?
Terramycin requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
It may be purchased from your veterinarian's office or an outside pharmacy, including Chewy Pharmacy. Speak with your veterinarian first to determine whether Terramycin is appropriate for your pet.
Can I inject my dog with Terramycin?
No. Do not inject your dog with Terramycin or any other medication unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.
Injectable and oral forms of Terramycin are labeled for use in food animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Large animals receive much higher doses, and products intended for them can result in an overdose if given to a dog.
Only a veterinarian should use injectable Terramycin because it is typically given intravenously (IV). Inappropriately administered IV injections can cause severe side effects.
How do you apply Terramycin eye ointment for cats?
Wash your hands before applying Terramycin eye ointment. Do not touch the applicator tip with your finger, your cat's eye, or another object.
Gently pull down your cat's lower eyelid and apply a ¼-inch strip of ointment into the space between the eyelid and eye. When your cat blinks, the ointment will spread over the surface of the eye.
What does Terramycin treat in cats?
Terramycin is used to treat certain bacterial eye infections in cats, including pink eye, corneal ulcers, inflamed corneas, and eyelid inflammation.
What are the side effects of Terramycin in cats?
Terramycin is typically well tolerated, but eye irritation or redness may occur. Life-threatening allergic reactions can also occur, especially in cats.
Signs of an allergic reaction may include facial swelling, itching, weakness, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Contact your veterinarian immediately if these signs occur.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.
