Maxitrol (Dexamethasone/Neomycin/Polymyxin B 1mg/g, 3500IU/g, 6000IU/g) Eye Ointment

Maxitrol general information

What is Maxitrol used for?

Maxitrol Eye Ointment is a combination medication used for short term treatment of inflammatory conditions of the external part of the eye, that have become infected or are likely to become infected and where use of an antibacterial is required.  These conditions include, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), which is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outermost layer of the eye and the inside of the eyelid; blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid; sty, which is infection of a hair follicle on the eyelid; and keratitis or inflammation of the cornea (the clear area at the front of the eye over the lens and pupil).  Maxitrol Eye Ointment helps relieve symptoms of eye infection including sore eyes, redness, inflammation, discharge and crusting around the eyelid.

How does Maxitrol work?

Maxitrol Eye Ointment contains a corticosteroid and two antibiotics used in combination to treat bacterial infection and inflammation of the external part of the eye.  Dexamethasone in Maxitrol Eye Ointment is a highly potent corticosteroid and works by reducing the vascular (blood vessels) and cellular inflammatory response that triggers inflammation, primarily by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes from inflammatory cells; also by preventing the migration of inflammatory cells into inflamed tissues.  This reduces the swelling, redness and pain associated with inflammation.  Neomycin in Maxitrol Eye Ointment is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic that is used in topical medications and is effective against wide range of bacteria found in infected skin.  These include Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphteriae, Streptococcus viridans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Aerobacter aerogenes, and Haemophilus influenzae.  Neomycin in Maxitrol Eye Ointment works by blocking bacterial protein synthesis and inhibiting the production of proteins needed for bacterial cell growth.  The antibiotic Polymyxin in Maxitrol Eye Ointment is effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aerobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Koch-Weeks bacillus, and is often used in combination with another antibiotics for topical bacterial infection.  Polymyxin in Maxitrol Eye Ointment works by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane, which makes it more permeable and the bacteria more susceptible to the effects of other antibiotics.  The combination of corticosteroid and two antibiotics in Maxitrol Eye Ointment helps relieve symptoms of inflammation and prevents spread of infection.

What does Maxitrol contain?

Maxitrol Eye Ointment contains the active ingredients dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, and the antibiotics neomycin and polymyxin, which are used in combination and to treat inflammatory eye conditions to prevent infection.  They also contain the preservatives methyl hydroxybenzoate and propyl hydroxybenzoate, and lanolin white soft paraffin. 

Treating inflammatory eye conditions with Maxitrol

Maxitrol Eye Ointment contains the corticosteroid dexamethasone, and two antibiotics, neomycin and polymyxin that are used in combination to treat inflammatory conditions of the external part of the eye to prevent infection.  These conditions include, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), which is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outermost layer of the eye and the inside of the eyelid; blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid; sty, which is infection of a hair follicle on the eyelid; and keratitis or inflammation of the cornea (the clear area at the front of the eye over the lens and pupil).  Dexamethasone in Maxitrol Eye Ointment works by reducing the vascular (blood vessels) and cellular inflammatory response that triggers inflammation, primarily by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes from inflammatory cells; also by preventing the migration of inflammatory cells into inflamed tissues.  Neomycin in Maxitrol Eye Ointment is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against wide range of bacteria found in infected skin and works by blocking bacterial protein synthesis and inhibiting the production of proteins needed for bacterial cell growth.  The antibiotic Polymyxin in Maxitrol Eye Ointment is often used in combination with another antibiotic for topical bacterial infection and works by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane, which makes it more permeable and also susceptible to the effects of other antibiotics.  Maxitrol Eye Ointment helps prevent infection and relieve symptoms of inflammatory eye conditions including sore eyes, redness, inflammation, discharge and crusting around the eyelid.

What are the side effects of Maxitrol?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Maxitrol Eye Ointment include irritation, burning, itching, stinging and dermatitis due to hypersensitivity reaction; blurred vision, raised intraocular pressure, cataract, delayed healing in the eye.

When should Maxitrol not be used?

You should not use Maxitrol Eye Ointment if you:

• are allergic to dexamethasone, neomycin, polymyxin or any ingredients in Maxitrol
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have a viral or fungal eye infection
• have herpetic keratitis (herpes infection of the eye)
• are taking a systemic aminoglycoside antibiotic
• are taking medicines that interact with Maxitrol, including topical steroids or NSAID, cobicistat or ritonavir for HIV

How should Maxitrol be used?

You should apply your Maxitrol Eye Ointment 3-4 times daily by pulling down your lower eyelid to form a pouch and squeezing a small amount of ointment into the pouch.  Wash your hands before and after use and do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye.  You should continue to use your Maxitrol Eye Ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you use Maxitrol?

You should continue to use your Maxitrol Eye Ointment for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Maxitrol

If you miss a dose of Maxitrol Eye Ointment apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Maxitrol be stored?

You should store your Maxitrol Eye Ointment below 25°C in a cool dry place and away from direct sunlight.  Do not refrigerate.