Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment: Uses and Guidance for Animal Eye Infections
Terramycin ophthalmic ointment is a trusted topical antibiotic designed specifically for animals facing superficial eye infections. Its reputation comes from a combination of two potent agents: oxytetracycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, and polymyxin B sulfate, a polypeptide antibiotic. This duo tackles a wide array of bacteria that commonly affect the eyes of pets and livestock.
How Terramycin Works
The ointment's effectiveness lies in its two active ingredients working together:
- Oxytetracycline: Disrupts bacterial protein synthesis, halting their ability to grow and multiply.
- Polymyxin B: Damages the cell membranes of susceptible bacteria, leading to their death.
This synergy makes Terramycin suitable for treating many types of bacterial eye infections in animals.
Main Indications
You’ll find veterinarians prescribing Terramycin ophthalmic ointment for several conditions in animals (including cats, dogs, birds, horses, cattle, and sheep):
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Corneal ulcers
- Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
- Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
- Bacterial ocular infections secondary to other diseases (like distemper in dogs)
It targets organisms sensitive to oxytetracycline and polymyxin B—such as streptococci, rickettsiae, E. coli, aerogenes, and others—making it broadly effective.
Directions for Use
- Veterinarian Guidance: Always follow your vet’s instructions regarding dosage and duration.
- Dosing: Typically, apply a small amount (about a 1 cm or quarter-inch strip) into the affected eye(s) two to four times daily.
- Application Technique: Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a pocket (the conjunctival sac), then apply the ointment. The animal’s blinking will help spread it evenly.
- Hygiene: Wash your hands before and after applying. Don’t let the applicator tip touch any surface—including the animal’s eye—to avoid contamination.
- If there’s crusting or debris on the eyelids, remove it gently with a sterile compress before application.
- Treatment continues until full healing or as directed by your veterinarian—this might take anywhere from one day to several weeks depending on severity.
- If you’re using other eye medications too, wait five to ten minutes between applications.
If you miss a dose, apply it when remembered but don’t double up—just resume the regular schedule.
Cautions and Precautions
- Avoid use if your animal has known allergies to oxytetracycline, polymyxin B, or other tetracyclines.
- Caution is advised in pregnant or lactating animals; safety during these periods isn’t fully established for topical tetracyclines.
- Avoid prolonged or repeated use unless directed—this can encourage resistant bacteria or fungal overgrowth. If things get worse or new symptoms appear, consult your vet promptly.
- This ointment isn’t meant for viral eye infections unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian.
Possible Side Effects
- Mild irritation: Some animals may experience brief stinging or redness after application; this usually passes quickly.
- Allergic reactions: Rare but serious reactions can occur—especially in cats—including swelling of the face, itching, vomiting, weakness, or trouble breathing. If you see these signs, seek veterinary care immediately.
- Tetracyclines can affect bone development and stain teeth if used long-term or at high doses in young/pregnant animals; this risk is much lower with topical use but still worth noting.
This medication is not intended for humans. If accidentally ingested or applied by people, seek medical advice right away.
Drug Interactions & Monitoring
No significant drug interactions are expected since little of the medication is absorbed systemically through the eye. Still, inform your vet about any other medications or supplements your animal receives. Monitor progress closely; if there’s no improvement or symptoms worsen after starting treatment, revisit your veterinarian for reassessment.
Storage Recommendations
- Store at room temperature (59–77°F / 15–25°C).
- Tightly close after each use; keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Discard four weeks after opening—even if some remains—since sterility can no longer be guaranteed past that point.
Additionals & Veterinary Oversight
A veterinarian should always decide if Terramycin ophthalmic ointment is appropriate for your animal’s situation. While available over-the-counter in some places and by prescription in others, responsible use means completing the full course—even if symptoms improve early—and never using medicine that’s changed color or appearance. For birds and less common species, consult an experienced veterinary professional for proper application technique and dosage adjustments as needed.
