What is Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment?

Terramycin is an ophthalmic antibiotic ointment to help fight eye infections such as conjunctivitis, inflamed cornea, pink eye, corneal ulcer, and inflammation of the eyelids.

How does Terramycin work?

One of its main ingredients, oxytetracycline, works by blocking the ability of bacteria to produce proteins which helps them to grow and multiply. In addition, polymyxin B damages the cell walls of certain bacteria and also has some antifungal activity.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before using Terramycin?

Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to Polymyxin B, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, or doxycycline.

What should I avoid while applying Terramycin to my pet?

Do not touch the tube opening to any surface including eyes or hands. This medication may cause temporary blurred vision. Avoid using other eye medications unless approved by your veterinarian. Prolonged use of this medication may result in a more serious bacterial or fungal infection.

What are the possible side effects of Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment?

Serious side effects are not expected. Some stinging may occur. Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions in cats have been reported. Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room immediately if your cat appears to be weak, has swelling of the face, itching, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. Talk to your veterinarian about any other side effects that seem unusual or bothersome to your pet.

What other drugs will affect Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment?

Before using Terramycin, tell your vet if your pet is using other eye medications. Talk to your vet or pharmacist before giving any other eye medicines to your pet.

Helps Treat Infections Caused by Bacteria

Terramycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic ointment indicated to help combat a variety of eye infections, including conjunctivitis, inflamed cornea (front surface of the eye), corneal ulcer, and inflammation of the eyelids. These infections can cause pain, irritation, and irregular tear production (among other issues).

Terramycin is available from select retailers and vets.

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Easy to Apply Topical Treatment

Fast-acting dual antibiotic
Treatment of bacteria that cause eye infections^†
Effective relief for both cats and dogs

: How often do I need to apply Terramycin?
Follow your vet's exact instructions. Terramycin is typically applied 2-4 times per day. Do not stop administering medication or change your pet's dosage without tralking with your vet first.
: How does Terramycin work?
One of its main ingredients, oxytetracycline, works by blocking the ability of bacteria to produce proteins which helps them to grow and multiply.

A man kneeling down next to a brown dog.

Quickly Targets Bacteria That Cause Eye Infections

Terramycin quickly targets bacteria that cause eye infections. In a study, after applying to the eye, Terramycin concentrations in tears were higher than those needed to kill susceptible bacteria for up to 12 hours.¹ Talk with your vet to see if Terramycin is right for your pet.

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Terramycin FAQ

: What is Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment?
Terramycin is an ophthalmic antibiotic ointment to help fight eye infections such as conjunctivitis, inflamed cornea, pink eye, corneal ulcer, and inflammation of the eyelids.
: How does Terramycin work?
One of its main ingredients, oxytetracycline, works by blocking the ability of bacteria to produce proteins which helps them to grow and multiply. In addition, polymyxin B damages the cell walls of certain bacteria and also has some antifungal activity.
: What should I discuss with my veterinarian before using Terramycin?
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to Polymyxin B, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, or doxycycline.
: What should I avoid while applying Terramycin to my pet?
Do not touch the tube opening to any surface including eyes or hands. This medication may cause temporary blurred vision. Avoid using other eye medications unless approved by your veterinarian. Prolonged use of this medication may result in a more serious bacterial or fungal infection.
: What are the possible side effects of Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment?
Serious side effects are not expected. Some stinging may occur. Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions in cats have been reported. Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room immediately if your cat appears to be weak, has swelling of the face, itching, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. Talk to your veterinarian about any other side effects that seem unusual or bothersome to your pet.
: What other drugs will affect Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment?
Before using Terramycin, tell your vet if your pet is using other eye medications. Talk to your vet or pharmacist before giving any other eye medicines to your pet.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: See Package Insert. Serious, life threatening, hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in some cats following application of antibiotic ophthalmic preparations. If your cat has swelling of the face, itching, appears weak, vomits, or has difficulty breathing within 4 hours of application you should discontinue treatment and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Indications: Terramycin is indicated for the prophylaxis and local treatment of superficial ocular infections due to oxytetracycline and polymyxin-sensitive organisms, including infections due to streptococci, rickettsiae, E. coli, and A. aerogenes†, such as conjunctivitis, keratitis (inflammation of the front surface of the eye or cornea), pink eye, corneal ulcer, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) in dogs, cats; ocular infections due to secondary bacterial complications of distemper in dogs, and bacterial inflammatory conditions which may occur secondary to other infectious diseases in the above species.

Note: The use of oxytetracycline and other antibiotics may result in an overgrowth of resistant organisms such as Monilia, Staphylococci, and other species of bacteria. If new infections due to nonsensitive bacteria or fungi appear during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

^†Also treats certain larger viruses that cause eye infections. There is evidence to indicate that polymyxin B sulfate possesses some anti-fungal activity.

References:

Sigmund AB, Ward DA, Cox SK, et al. Tear film concentrations of topically applied 0.5% oxytetracycline ointment in normal canine eyes. Vet Ophthalmol. 2020;23(4):707-713

AIF-00782

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may not have marketing authorization or may have different product labeling in different countries. The animal health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with an animal healthcare professional. All decisions regarding the care of a veterinary patient must be made with an animal healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

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Broad-Spectrum Treatment for Your Pet’s Eye Infection*

Helps Treat Infections Caused by Bacteria

Easy to Apply Topical Treatment

Quickly Targets Bacteria That Cause Eye Infections

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Terramycin FAQ