FDA issues warning about drugs marketed for animals

Late in 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, sent letters to…

Late in 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, sent letters to nine manufacturers and distributors, warning them to stop selling illegally marketed over-the-counter antibiotics.

The drugs in question are marketed for species like aquarium fish and pet birds but contain antibiotics — like amoxicillin, penicillin, erythromycin and others — that are important in human medicine.

The FDA sees two public health risks with these drugs. First, they haven’t been through FDA review for safety and effectiveness in the species for which they’re being marketed. In addition, inappropriate and indiscriminate use can increase antimicrobial resistance, which puts both people and animals at risk.