Tris-edta

General Drug Information and Indications

Chelating ear irrigation for decontamination and antibiotic potentiation against gram-negative bacteria in otitis externa. Tris-EDTA chelating ear irrigation solution. Mechanism: tromethamine (TRIS buffer) + EDTA → chelates Mg2+ and Ca2+ from gram-negative bacterial outer membrane → disrupts LPS-Mg2+ stabilization → outer membrane permeabilization → antibiotics gain enhanced access to bacterial interior (2–4× MIC reduction). Particularly effective for Pseudomonas aeruginosa otitis in dogs. Key information Antimicrobial potentiator solution. See Tricide entry. Safe for ear irrigation. Enhances antibiotic activity against gram-negative bacteria and biofilms.

How to Give this Medication

Otic lavage: instill into ear canal; allow 5–15 min contact time; drain. Follow with prescribed antibiotic ear preparation. May also be used as pre-soaking treatment to potentiate antibiotics. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next application, skip it and resume the normal schedule. Do not apply extra product to compensate.

Side Effects

Very low systemic toxicity. Mild stinging/discomfort upon instillation. Eye irritant (avoid direct eye contact). Generally safe for otic use — provides potentiation platform for antibiotic therapy without direct antimicrobial activity itself.

Precautions

For animals Use as directed for otic decontamination before antibiotic instillation. Not standalone antimicrobial therapy. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Avoid inhaling sprays or aerosols. Keep out of reach of children. Ear lavage solution — generally safe. Avoid eye contact. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Tris-EDTA is a potentiator with very low toxicity. Contact vet if unusual ear or systemic signs develop.

Tris-edta dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
TRIS-EDTA 150 MM/10.5 MM SOLUTION - 20 ML—Solution20 MLCompound
TRIS-EDTA 3GM/0.5GM PACKET3 GM/0.5 GM PACKET—1Compound

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)