TETRACYCLINE (OPHTHALMIC)

Indications/Pharmacology

The tetracyclines are most useful in cats for the treatment Chlamydial and Mycoplasma conjunctivitis as well as nonspecific or symptomatic therapy for undiagnosed (causativeorganism not determined) conjunctivitis in cats. While its use in dogs and horses is questionable, it maybe useful in goats for Chlamydial/Mycoplasma keratoconjunctivitis.
Tetracycline is often used to "back into" the diagnosis of herpes virus conjunctivitis in cats. Since themajority of conjunctivitis cases in cats are caused by herpes virus (approx. 90%) and the bulk of theremainder are caused either by Chlamydia or Mycoplasma, if the cat fails to respond to tetracycline, thecause is most likely due to herpes virus.Suggested Dosages/Precautions/Adverse Effects - For Chlamydial/Mycoplasma keratoconjunctivitis:
Apply 4 times daily. Dramatic improvement should be noted in 3-4 days, but treatment should continuefor 3-4 weeks for Chlamydia to break the reproductive cycle of this organism.Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Tetracycline HCl Ointment 10 mg/g in 3.75 g tubes Achromycin® (Storz/Lederle); (Rx)
Tetracycline HCl Suspension 10 mg/ml in 4 ml btls Achromycin® (Storz/Lederle); (Rx)
Other available ophthalmic antibiotics: Chlortetracycline: Aureomycin® (Storz Lederle);
Bacitracin (alone); Erythromycin Ointment; Polymyxin B powder for solution; Sodium Sulfacetamide.