Tylosin Tartrate
Tylosin Tartrate is a water-soluble macrolide antibiotic derived from Streptomyces fradiae, primarily used in veterinary medicine. It is the tartrate salt form of tylosin, enhancing its solubility and making it ideal for administration via drinking water or injectable solutions. Tylosin Tartrate is active against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative organisms, as well as Mycoplasma spp. It is particularly effective for treating respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive infections in livestock and poultry.
Primary Uses
Veterinary Medicine
Poultry:
Treatment and prevention of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum.
Controls infectious sinusitis in turkeys and synovitis caused by Mycoplasma synoviae.
Administered via drinking water or feed.
Swine:
Used for ileitis, swine dysentery, and enzootic pneumonia (caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae).
Often included in medicated feed or water.
Cattle:
Controls bovine respiratory disease complex (shipping fever) caused by Pasteurella, Mycoplasma, and Haemophilus species.
Also used for foot rot and metritis.
Sheep and Goats:
Treats respiratory infections and mycoplasma-related arthritis.
Companion Animals (off-label in some countries):
Sometimes used to treat chronic colitis or diarrhea in dogs and cats under veterinary supervision.
Aquaculture (where permitted)
Used against Mycoplasma-like organisms and secondary bacterial infections.
Secondary Uses
Prophylactic Use in Herds/Fluctuations
Administered during high-stress periods (transport, weaning, vaccination) to prevent outbreaks.
Growth Promotion (where legal)
Historically used in low doses as a feed additive to promote growth and improve feed efficiency, though now restricted in many countries.
Research & Microbiology
Used as a selective antibiotic in culture media for isolating Mycoplasma species.
Applied in antimicrobial resistance studies.
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Tylosin hydrogen tartrate
Common/Trade Name: Tylosin Tartrate
CAS Number: 1405-69-0
HS Code: 2941.90.00
Synonyms: Tylosin hydrogen tartrate, Macrolide antibiotic tartrate salt
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Powder
Color & Odor: Pale yellow to yellow; mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Freely soluble in water
Molecular Formula: C46H77NO17 · C4H6O6
Molecular Weight: ~1009.2 g/mol
pH (1% solution): 5.0–7.5
Loss on Drying: ≤ 5.0%
Assay (Potency): ≥ 800 µg/mg (potency based on tylosin activity)
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification:
May cause respiratory or skin sensitization
Harmful if swallowed or inhaled in large quantities
Environmental hazard (to aquatic life with long-term effects)
Toxicity: Low toxicity to treated animals when used as directed
Irritation: May cause skin and eye irritation in handlers
Occupational Hazards: Allergic reactions (especially in individuals sensitive to macrolides)
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store below 25 °C in a dry place; protect from light and moisture
Container Type: Fiber drums or HDPE containers with inner liner
Shelf Life: 24–36 months under proper storage
Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust; wear protective gloves, eyewear, and mask
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Approved for veterinary use by FDA, EMA, WHO, and OIE (in various countries)
Not intended for human use
Must comply with maximum residue limits (MRLs) in food-producing animals
Complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for veterinary pharmaceuticals
Use in accordance with Veterinary Prescription Regulations (region-specific)
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Biodegradable under normal environmental conditions
Ecotoxicity: Potential impact on soil and aquatic microbiota if improperly disposed
Bioaccumulation: Low potential
Resistance Risk: May contribute to antimicrobial resistance if overused or misused
PPE Required: Gloves, dust mask, safety goggles
Handling Guidelines: Avoid generation of dust; use in well-ventilated areas
Storage Measures: Keep container tightly closed and dry
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water; get medical help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; consult a veterinarian or poison control if large quantities are consumed
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Not highly flammable but combustible in powder form
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides