Neomycin-Polymyxin-Dexameth

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jan 25, 2024

Directions

How To Use Neomycin-Polymyxin B-Dexamethasone (Maxitrol)

Neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone comes as an ophthalmic suspension (eye drop) and ointment to apply to the affected eye.

Read the prescription label and manufacturer’s directions carefully. Use neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone exactly as prescribed for the most benefit. Do not change the dose, dosing frequency, or treatment duration without consulting your doctor.

To use the eye drops and eye ointment:

Wash your hands with soap and water.
Shake the bottle of suspension well before using it every time.
Tilt your head slightly back, press one finger gently below your lower eyelid, and pull the lower eyelid down to create a small pocket. Drop the eye drops in this pocket or place a small amount of ointment into the space.
Release the eyelid and gently close your eye. Avoid blinking and keep the eye closed for 1-2 minutes. Apply gentle pressure on the inner corner of your eye to help the medicine get absorbed into your eye.
To avoid contamination of the medicine, do not touch the dropper tip or the ointment tube on any surface (including your eye). Replace the dropper cap and keep the ointment tube tightly closed when not in use.

You should start feeling better after a few doses of neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or become worse. Use the medication regularly and finish the prescribed treatment course. Continue using the medication for the time prescribed, even if your symptoms disappear. Stopping treatment too soon or skipping doses can result in decreased effectiveness and incomplete treatment of your eye infection. This can make the infection come back and be harder to treat in the future.

If you wear contact lenses, avoid wearing them during treatment of your eye infection. The preservative in Maxitrol eye drops, benzalkonium chloride, can cause irritation and discolor contact lenses. Use a fresh pair of contacts after your infection clears.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone upright at 46°F – 77°F (8°C to 25°C) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in the original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone should be disposed of in a way that other people, children, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone in the trash or flush medications down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal.

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.