Tylosin Tartrate Salt: Understanding Its Physical Nature, Structure, and Safe Handling

What is Tylosin Tartrate Salt?

Tylosin tartrate salt stands out in the pharmaceutical and veterinary world as an antibiotic, crafted for fighting bacterial infections in livestock. Its rise to fame came from its powerful action against Gram-positive bacteria, especially in pigs, poultry, and cattle. Chemically, the salt results from the pairing of tylosin with tartaric acid, forming a substance that dissolves better in water and can be put to work in various delivery forms. Broad use in animal husbandry has anchored tylosin tartrate salt as an essential raw material for animal health products, lining the shelves in both powder and solution format. Years of application across my own experience with veterinary pharmaceuticals have shown a demand for the compound’s reliable solubility—the core reason drug manufacturers choose the tartrate form over tylosin base for injectable or water-soluble drugs.

Structure, Molecular Formula, and Appearance

The molecular structure comes down to C46H77NO17 for tylosin, paired with tartaric acid, carrying it into a salt state. This boosts its usability for solution-based applications. In true physical form, it often appears as white to off-white flakes, powder, or crystals. Depending on processing, it might show up as fine particles, solid lumps, or even slender flakes that break down under a slight touch. Its bulk density usually falls around 0.5 to 0.7 g/cm³, important for measuring and mixing when developing feed additives or animal treatments. The substance keeps crystal clarity in solutions and stays free of strong odor, making it suitable for various mixing and handling processes. My own lab runs have seen the flakes dissolve quickly in warm water, leaving little residue behind—a trait pharmaceutical technicians value for predictable dosing practices.

Key Specifications and Physical Properties

Specifications drive quality when using tylosin tartrate salt professionally. Typical purity sits at 98% or higher for pharmaceutical grades, with controlled moisture content that safeguards shelf life. The product holds its ground as a raw material in both solid and liquid forms: the powder fits right into dosing blends for feed, and concentrated solutions suit large-scale water medication systems. A melting point around 130°C keeps it stable in transport and storage, while low vapor pressure minimizes airborne particles and accidental inhalation. Consistency matters. Every batch I’ve handled arrives as free-draining solids, never with clumping or caking, which signals proper storage and handling upstream. That reliability ensures the antibiotic performs as expected in field use.

HS Code, Safety, and Handling Precautions

Customs and international trade rely on the HS Code for smooth transport; Tylosin tartrate usually falls under HS Code 2941.90. Safety grabs attention here—like many antibiotics, tylosin tartrate salt can trigger allergic reactions or asthma-like symptoms if inhaled or touched by sensitive handlers. Direct inhalation of dust or unnecessary contact with skin can turn harmful, making gloves and masks standard practice. My years in compliance training with vet drug manufacturers drove home the lesson: safety sheets and proper labeling are not just paperwork; they protect people down the line. The compound doesn't fall under major hazardous material regulations, but responsible disposal and cleanup stay important—spills cleaned with damp cloths, waste kept from water supplies, and all packaging fully labeled and traceable.

Potential Hazards, Environmental Impact, and Safe Use

Antibiotics like tylosin tartrate salt, while not acutely toxic in the doses used for veterinary purposes, build potential for resistance development when mismanaged. Runoff and improper disposal straight from farms or production sites end up in waterways and soil, nudging microbes toward resistance genes. Strict controls on discharge, careful measurement in feed and water solutions, and training for all handlers reduces this risk substantially. In practice, every transport drum or bag I’ve managed included clear hazard markings, disposal instructions, and emergency information, helping teams avoid accidents or accidental environmental release. Companies holding EU or US registrations also back up claims with transparent environmental monitoring data, a growing point of focus as regulators and animal health groups push for responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Material Source, Raw Material Quality, and Industry Solutions

The foundation for every batch of tylosin tartrate salt starts with high-quality tylosin base, sourced through reliable fermentation processes involving Streptomyces fradiae. Following extraction and purification, careful reaction with tartaric acid transforms it into a water-soluble salt. My work sourcing active pharmaceutical ingredients underscored the importance of authenticated, traceable raw materials and strict batch controls to avoid contamination or sub-par potency. Established suppliers back up shipments with chromatographic purity records and microbial test results, defending against the risk of accidental adulteration or degradation. For buyers and handlers, selecting suppliers certified under ISO or GMP systems offers the best insurance that animal health products maintain their strength, purity, and safety from one shipment to the next. Traceability from fermentation to finished product anchors quality assurance programs, especially where regulatory agencies keep a close eye on compliant manufacturing and sales.