Maxitrol Eye Ointment (Dexamethasone/Neomycin/Polymyxin)

Indications

Maxitrol Eye Ointment is a topical medication used to treat swelling or inflammation in the eyes and to treat or prevent bacterial eye infections. It contains a combination of three active ingredients: neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone. Neomycin and polymyxin B are antibiotics that work by stopping the growth of bacteria, while dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation.

The medication is available as an ointment that should be applied to the affected eye(s) up to four times daily. Patients should wash their hands before applying the ointment and avoid touching the tip of the applicator to prevent contamination.

Use and Dosage

Maxitrol Eye Ointment is a type of ophthalmic ointment that is to be applied to the eye(s), usually 3 or 4 times daily, or as directed by your physician. When using this medicine, do not wear contact lenses. If you are a contact lens wearer, ensure the lenses are sterilized according to the manufacturer's guidelines and check with a doctor before using them again.

To apply Maxitrol Eye Ointment, begin by washing your hands. To avoid contamination of the tip of the tube or your eye, be cautious not to touch the tip of your eye or any surface. Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch. Then, apply a 1/2-inch (1.5 centimeter) strip of ointment into the pouch by gently squeezing the tube. Roll the eyeball in all directions to spread the medication. Do not rub your eye and try not to blink. Repeat these steps for your other eye if directed. Use a clean tissue to remove any extra medication before replacing the cap. Use as often as directed by your physician.

If you are using another type of eye medication, such as drops or ointments, apply the eye drops first and wait at least 5 minutes before applying this eye ointment to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Wait at least 10 minutes after using this medication before applying another type of eye ointment.

Do not overuse Maxitrol Eye Ointment and make sure you use it for no longer than 10 days unless otherwise directed by your physician. Use Maxitrol Eye Ointment regularly to achieve optimal benefits from this medicine. If symptoms disappear after a few days, continue using the medication as directed by your physician. Stopping the medicine too soon may allow the infection to reoccur.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Maxitrol Eye Ointment (Dexamethasone/Neomycin/ Polymyxin B):

• Blurred vision
• Eyelid itching
• Eyelid swelling
• Irritation
• Itching
• Redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Stinging/burning of the eyes for 1 to 2 minutes when Maxitrol is applied

Serious Side Effects of Maxitrol Eye Ointment (Dexamethasone/Neomycin/ Polymyxin B):

• Arm or leg weakness
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats
• Feeling unsteady
• Fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath
• High fever
• Loss of coordination
• Profuse sweating, or tremors
• Severe headache
• Slurred speech
• Sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out;
• Sudden vision loss
• Trouble walking
• Tunnel vision
• Very stiff muscles

Forms and Strength

Maxitrol Eye Ointment (Dexamethasone/Neomycin/Polymyxin B) is available in the following forms and strength:

Maxitrol Eye Ointment: Ophthalmic Ointment

• 1mg/3.5mg/6000u

Cautions

• Maxitrol Eye Ointment should not be used for viral infections of the eye, as it will not be effective against these types of infections.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Maxitrol Eye Ointment, as there may be risks associated with its use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have had recent or ongoing bacterial infections in other parts of your body, as this may increase the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections.
• Use Maxitrol Eye Ointment only as prescribed by your doctor and to complete the full course of treatment even if your symptoms improve before the end of the course.
• Avoid touching the tip of the tube or applicator to any surface, as this can contaminate the medication and increase the risk of infection.
• Caution is recommended when administering to patients with reduced glucose tolerance/diabetes mellitus, as topical ophthalmic corticosteroids may cause these conditions.
• Use the medication exactly as directed and wash your hands before using eye medication.

• Maxitrol Eye Ointment should not be used for viral infections of the eye, as it will not be effective against these types of infections.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Maxitrol Eye Ointment, as there may be risks associated with its use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have had recent or ongoing bacterial infections in other parts of your body, as this may increase the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections.
• Use Maxitrol Eye Ointment only as prescribed by your doctor and complete the full course of treatment even if your symptoms improve before the end of the course.
• Avoid touching the tip of the tube or applicator to any surface, as this can contaminate the medication and increase the risk of infection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do if I miss a dose of Maxitrol Eye Ointment?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.

Can Maxitrol Eye Ointment be used for viral infections of the eye?

No, Maxitrol Eye Ointment is not effective against viral infections of the eye.

Can Maxitrol Eye Ointment be used on the skin or other parts of the body?

No, Maxitrol Eye Ointment is designed for use only in the eyes and should not be used on other parts of the body.

How long should I use Maxitrol Eye Ointment?

Use Maxitrol Eye Ointment for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

Resources

• https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/maxitrol
• https://www.rxlist.com/maxitrol-side-effects-drug-center.htm
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/050065s061lbl.pdf
• https://www.drugs.com/mtm/maxitrol-ophthalmic.html
• https://www.goodrx.com/maxitrol/what-is
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1011-6072/maxitrol-ophthalmic-eye/neomycin-polymyxin-dexamethasone-ointment-ophthalmic/details