Apramycin
Apramycin sulfate
Also known as: Apralan · Abylan · nebramycin factor 2 · nebramcyin II · apramycine · apramicina · AIDS166733
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Birds
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms (Poultry) | To be administered via drinking water to provide 250-500 mg of apramycin activity per liter for 5 days. This may be achieved by adding 50 g apramycin per 100-200 liters of water. | PO | daily | 5 days | 🌎 NA |
Cattle
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms | 20-40 mg/kg PO daily in drinking water | PO | daily | — | 🌎 NA |
| Colibacillosis or salmonellosis (Calves) | 1-2 sachets to be administered in the drinking water, milk, or milk replacer to provide 20-40 mg of apramycin activity per kg of bodyweight daily according to the severity of the disease. Continue treatment for 5 days. | PO | daily | 5 days | 🌎 NA |
Swine
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms | Treated pigs should consume enough water to receive 12.5 mg/kg body weight per day for 7 days. Add to drinking water at a rate of 375 mg per gallon. After adding to water, stir and allow to stand for 15 minutes, then stir again. | PO | daily | 7 days | 🌎 NA |
| Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms | 20-40 mg/kg PO daily in drinking water | PO | daily | — | 🌎 NA |
| Bacterial enteritis caused by susceptible organisms | Pigs: To be administered via the drinking water. Add 1 small measure (4.4 mL) or 1 sachet of soluble powder per 20 L of drinking water. | PO | daily | — | 🌎 NA |
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Apramycin is an aminocyclitol antibiotic (closely related to the aminoglycoside class) primarily used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of enteric bacterial infections in livestock, such as porcine E. coli bacillosis, and in calves and poultry.
While no longer commercially available in the USA, it remains in use internationally. It is notable for its efficacy against a variety of gram-negative organisms. Because it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in adult animals, it is highly effective for local enteric infections. However, neonates may absorb the drug systemically, increasing the risk of classic aminoglycoside toxicities (nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity).
Mechanism of action
Apramycin is bactericidal. It actively transports across the bacterial cell membrane and binds irreversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit → interferes with mRNA translation → inhibits bacterial protein synthesis.
It is active against many gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Proteus, Pasturella, Treponema hyodysenteriae, Bordetella bronchiseptica), as well as Staphylococcus and Mycoplasma.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to apramycin
- Cats
- Patients with myasthenia gravis
Adverse effects
- Ototoxicity (if systemically absorbed)
- Nephrotoxicity (if systemically absorbed)
Precautions
Warning: Contraindicated in cats and patients with myasthenia gravis.
- Neonatal Absorption: While generally safe orally due to poor absorption, neonates may absorb substantial amounts, leading to potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
- Inactivation: The drug can be inactivated if exposed to rust (e.g., in a rusty waterer).
Drug interactions
Potential for enhanced neuromuscular blockade (extrapolated from neomycin)
Additive toxicity risk if apramycin is systemically absorbed (extrapolated from neomycin)
Monitoring
- Clinical efficacy
- Renal function (if systemic absorption is suspected)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Partially absorbed after oral administration, particularly in neonates. Absorption is dose-related and decreases substantially with the age of the animal.
Distribution
Poorly distributed systemically in adult animals due to low oral absorption.
Metabolism
Minimal to none.
Elimination
Absorbed drug is eliminated via the kidneys unchanged.
Overdose
If substantial amounts of the drug are absorbed systemically (e.g., in neonates or massive overdose), both ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity are a distinct possibility. Treatment is supportive, focusing on maintaining hydration and renal perfusion.
Available products
Formulations
- Soluble powder
Veterinary
- Apramycin Sulfate Soluble Powder 37.5 & 48 g (base) bottle
- Apralan Soluble Powder 1 gram sachets and 50 g in 220 mL
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store powder in a cool dry place, in tightly closed containers, protected from moisture. Store at temperatures less than 25°C. If exposed to rust, the drug can be inactivated. Prepare fresh water daily. Shelf life of the powder is 24 months.
Client information
- Preparation: Prepare fresh medicated water daily.
- Equipment: Do not use rusty waterers or containers, as rust can inactivate the medication.
- Withdrawal Times: Adhere strictly to slaughter withdrawal times (e.g., Pigs = 14 days, Calves = 28 days, Poultry = 7 days in the UK). Not for use in laying hens producing eggs for human consumption.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.