Terramycin for Cats: Overview, Dosage, & Side Effects

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Terramycin is the brand name for an eye ointment medication containing two antibiotics: oxytetracycline and polymyxin B. It’s generally used in cats to treat a variety of bacterial eye problems, including conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. It comes as a thick ointment that needs to be carefully applied to the surface of the eye.

In this article, you’ll learn what Terramycin is used for in cats, how it works, side effects to monitor for, and some frequently asked questions.

Terramycin for Cats Overview

Medication Type:

Combination antibiotic

Medication Form:

Ophthalmic (eye) ointment

Brand Names:

Terramycin

Common Names:

Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B

Effects:

Kills susceptible bacteria on the surface of the eye and beneath the eyelids

Available Dosages:

Terramycin has one formulation: oxytetracycline 5mg/g with polymyxin B sulfate 10,000 units/g in 3.5g ointment tubes.

Potential Side Effects:

Allergic or inflammatory reactions are rare. Some cats may exhibit a rare anaphylactic (severe allergic) reaction to the polymyxin B component.

Precautions:

Any cat with past sensitivity to either oxytetracycline or polymyxin B.

Contraindications:

Any cat with a past reaction to polymyxin B should avoid use.

About Terramycin for Cats

Terramycin is a brand name for a prescription combination eye antibiotic ointment containing the antibiotics oxytetracycline and polymyxin B as its main ingredients. Terramycin is manufactured by Zoetis Animal Health.

Oxytetracycline is a member of the tetracyclines group of antibiotics. These are broad-spectrum antibiotics that work against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Oxytetracycline works to kill bacteria by disrupting their ability to make proteins. Tetracyclines have good activity against several types of bacteria, including Chlamydia and Mycoplasma which can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) in cats.

Polymyxin B is actually derived from a bacteria, Bacillus polymyxa. It rapidly kills susceptible bacteria by making their cell membrane more permeable and vulnerable.

Both ingredients are antibiotics and are not considered effective against viruses or fungal infections.

Ophthalmic terramycin is generally used to treat pet cats with conjunctivitis when either Chlamydia or Mycoplasma species of bacteria are confirmed, or at least suspected to be involved. Because conjunctivitis in cats can also commonly have viral causes (such as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus) an antibiotic ointment should only be used for the treatment of eye infections under the direction of a veterinarian, when bacterial inflammatory conditions are suspected.

Dose of Terramycin for Cats

A single dose of terramycin ophthalmic ointment for cats is usually a strip of ointment long enough to cross the surface of the eye. This is typically about a gram of ointment. This is the same for all cats, whatever their breed or size. The amount given to kittens is generally slightly smaller, as the amount needed to cover the surface of their smaller eyes is less.

Terramcyin therapy may be administered to a cat anywhere from every 12 hours to every 6 hours. This equals 2–4 times a day, evenly spread across the surface of the eye.

When prescribed, your veterinarian will explain proper use of this medication, including how often this ointment should be applied and whether one or both eyes need to be treated.

How To Administer Terramycin to Cats

Terramycin only comes in an ointment form, to be applied to the surface of the eye (cornea). This can be a little tricky in some cats, but try the following approach for this or any application of antibiotic ophthalmic ointment/drops.

With your cat sitting on your lab facing away from you, gently tilt their head up so you can clearly see the eye. Keeping gentle leverage under the chin, use your thumb to raise the upper lid and your pointer finger to lower the bottom lid. With your other hand, apply the ointment to the surface of the eye in a small strip by gently squeezing the tube.

Do not let the tube touch the eye. Allow the ointment to squeeze out of the tube and land on the eye surface. After applying, use your thumb and pointer finger to gently close the lids, so the ointment spreads across the eye surface. When your cat blinks, this will also help to spread out the medication.

Because Terramycin is an ointment that coats the surface of the eye, it should be administered after any eye drop solutions that have also been prescribed for your cat. Administering an ointment prior to a liquid solution will prevent the liquid solution from reaching the surface of the eye. If you do have any other eye medications you’re giving your cat, they can be given around the same time as Terramcyin. However, it’s best to wait 5 minutes after applying one medication before applying another.

Administration Tips

Keeping your cat cuddled into your body helps them feel safe and secure while you apply the eye ointment. Shutterstock.com

• Try to avoid administering eye medication facing your cat. Your cat is more likely to back up away from you.
• Try to apply eye medication when your cat is relaxed.
• Provide your cat with a treat reward or meal after applying eye medication.
• Wrapping your cat in a towel or blanket can help give your cat a sense of security and keep them from moving or swatting your hand away.
• It may also be easier to have someone else help you. Let them hold your cat securely while you gently open the eye and apply the medication.
• Eyedrops (vs. ointment) may be easier to apply to some cats. Check with your vet for a possible eye-drop option if you’re finding ointment to be frustrating.

Side Effects of Terramycin for Cats

In a majority of cases, serious side effects of oxytetracycline and polymyxin B are rare. Both antibiotics are well-tolerated by the tissues of the eye. Some individuals may have an allergy or sensitivity. This may be seen as inflammation or irritation/stinging in or around the eye after administration. These medication reactions should not be confused with the symptoms of your cat’s eye disorder, which may also be itchy, irritating, or painful.

There are some rare cats who have an individual hypersensitivity to polymyxin B that can lead to an anaphylactic (severe allergic) reaction within only a couple hours or less of application. According to the manufacturer, this may include but is not limited to:

• Swelling of the face
• Itching
• Lethargy/weakness
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing

These signs may be seen immediately after application but could take up to four hours to appear. Thankfully, fatal allergic reactions are extremely rare.

Overdose and Emergencies

If your cat vomits, has a swollen face, or seems otherwise unwell after applying Terramycin, speak to a vet urgently. Shutterstock.com

It is not possible to overdose a cat with an ophthalmic antibiotic ointment like Terramycin. However, administration more frequently than every six hours is unlikely to provide additional benefits and may only succeed in irritating your cat.

If you are concerned that your cat is experiencing an allergic reaction to Terramycin, especially an anaphylactic reaction, contact your veterinarian’s office immediately or take your cat to the closest veterinary emergency room.

Potential Drug Interactions With Terramycin

There are no known drug interactions that Terramycin has with other eye medications.

How to Store Terramycin

Terramycin should be stored at room temperature between 68–77 degrees Fahrenheit (20–25 degrees Centigrade). Fluctuations between 59–86 degrees Fahrenheit (15–30 degrees Centigrade) are allowed. The tube should be kept away from moisture and sunlight. Do not freeze.

Drug Dosing Disclaimer: We are only able to provide doses for medications that are FDA approved for use in cats and only as the label guidelines dictate. For medications that are used off-label we can only provide guidelines and safety information for use. Safe and appropriate dosing for off-label medications can only be determined by a primary care veterinarian.

We encourage you to work with your veterinarian to determine if a particular medication is appropriate for your cat. Changing or adjusting a dose for your cat on your own without consulting with a veterinarian can carry risk. We do not encourage use of medications prescribed for human use in pets without first consulting with a primary care veterinarian.