Brand Name
Maxitrol
Common Name
neomycin sulfate - dexamethasone - polymyxin B sulfate
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00042676 | MAXITROL 1MG/3.5MG/6000IU SUSPENSION |
| 00358177 | MAXITROL 1MG/3.5MG/6000IU OINTMENT |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Neomycin and polymyxin B are antibiotics that treat the cause of the infection while dexamethasone belongs to the family of drugs called corticosteroids and is used for its ability to reduce inflammation in the eye.
This medication is used to treat certain eye infections associated with redness and inflammation of the eye.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of this medication is 1 or 2 drops (eye drops) or ¼ to ½ inch (eye ointment) in the eye(s) as directed by your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Eye drops: The following procedure is recommended when using the eye drops:
- Wash your hands.
- Shake the bottle of eye drops to ensure the suspension is evenly distributed.
- Tilt the head back and gently pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space.
- Drop the medicine into this space and then let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes.
- Do not blink.
- Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for one or two minutes to prevent excessive absorption into the body.
- Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may have got on them.
- Do not touch the dropper or the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye).
Eye ointment: The following procedure is recommended when using the eye ointment:
- Wash your hands.
- Roll the ointment tube in your hands for a minute to make the ointment flow easier.
- Avoid touching the tube tip or letting it touch your eye to avoid contamination.
- Tilt your head back, gaze upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch.
- Place ¼ to ½ inch of ointment into the pouch by squeezing the tube gently.
- Close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication.
- Try not to blink and do not rub the eye.
- Wipe the tip of the ointment tube with a tissue to remove excess medication before capping it.
If you are using both the ointment and the drops, use the drops first, allowing at least five minutes before applying the ointment.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store the eye drops and ointment at room temperature away from heat and direct light.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Ophthalmic Ointment
Each g of sterile ointment contains polymyxin B sulfate 6,000 units, neomycin (as sulfate) 3.5 mg and dexamethasone 1 mg (0.1%) in a white petrolatum base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: anhydrous lanolin, methylparaben and propylparaben.
Ophthalmic Suspension
Each mL contains dexamethasone 1 mg (0.1%), neomycin (as sulfate) 3.5 mg and polymyxin B sulfate 6,000 units. Preserved with benzalkonium chloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH), 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polysorbate 20, purified water and sodium chloride.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be used by anyone who:
- is sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients of the solution
- has acute herpes simplex
- has tuberculosis of the eye
- has vaccinia
- has varicella (chickenpox)
- has other viral or fungal diseases of the eye
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