Neomycin-Polymyxin-Dexameth

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

Last Reviewed: Jan 25, 2024

Warnings

Neomycin-Polymyxin B-Dexamethasone (Maxitrol) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments for eye infections if you are at an increased risk of adverse effects from this combination of medications. Some of the risks of using neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone ophthalmic include:

FOR USE ON EYE SURFACE ONLY: Eye drops and eye ointments such as neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone should be used on the eye surface only. Do not swallow this medication or use it anywhere else in the body, including the mouth or nose.
NEW OR WORSENING INFECTIONS: Dexamethasone is a steroid. The use of steroids in the eye can worsen viral eye infections, including herpes simplex. Antibiotics will not be effective against a fungal infection. Long-term use of this medicine can increase the risk of bacterial infections caused by non-susceptible bacteria. Your healthcare provider will only prescribe neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone if you have or are at risk of a bacterial infection. Follow the dosing instructions carefully. Do not use the eye medication for a longer or shorter duration than prescribed. Tell your doctor if your eye symptoms do not improve after a few days of using this medicine.
GLAUCOMA: Prolonged use of neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone can result in an eye condition called glaucoma, in which there is increased pressure inside the eye. This can damage the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss. Tell your care team if you have a history of glaucoma before starting this medicine. If you are using it for more than 10 days, your doctor will recommend regular eye pressure checks. Keep all your medical and lab appointments. Call your doctor without delay if you develop eye pain, blurry vision, or blind spots in your peripheral (side) vision.
USE AFTER CATARACT SURGERY: The use of neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone after surgery to remove cataracts can result in delayed wound healing and increase the risk of bleb formation. Tell your doctor you are using this eye medication before any eye surgery.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO TOPICAL ANTIBIOTICS: A small number of people develop an allergic reaction to topical antibiotics. Call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care if any of these effects occur: Rash, hives, itching, head and neck swelling, swelling in the limbs, chest pain or tightness, or difficulty breathing.

Precautions Before Starting Neomycin-Polymyxin B-Dexamethasone (Maxitrol)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin B, dexamethasone, any of the active or inactive ingredients in neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone formulations, or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all your medicines, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. This can help avoid interactions between neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone and your other medications.

Neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions. Give your doctor a complete medical history before starting treatment with this eye medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or are nursing an infant with breast milk.

Precautions During Use of Neomycin-Polymyxin B-Dexamethasone (Maxitrol)

Keep all your medical and lab appointments during treatment with neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few days of using this medicine. Do not continue using this topical eye medicine unless your doctor tells you.

Call your doctor if you become pregnant while using neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone.

Neomycin-Polymyxin B-Dexamethasone (Maxitrol) Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how neomycin-polymyxin B-dexamethasone works. Possible interactions with other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. If there are known interactions between your medications, your provider may want to change the dose of your medicine, switch you to a different medication, and/or monitor your carefully for side effects.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medicines, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.

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