Maxitrol

This page contains drug information on Maxitrol.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Maxitrol
the possible side effects of Maxitrol
what happens if you miss a dose of Maxitrol
what happens if you overdose with Maxitrol
the most important information about Maxitrol
how to use Maxitrol
other drugs that may affect Maxitrol
what to avoid while using Maxitrol
 
Generic Name: neomycin/ polymyxin B and dexamethasone ophthalmic (nee oh MYE sin, paw lee MIX in and dex a METH a sone)
Brand Names: AK-Trol, Dexacidin, Dexacine, Dexasporin, Maxitrol, Methadex, Poly-Dex
 
What is the most important information I should know about maxitrol?
 •  Contact your doctor if your symptoms begin to get worse or if you do not see any improvement in your condition after a few days.
 •  Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
 •  Apply light pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) after each drop to prevent the fluid from draining down your tear duct.

What is maxitrol?
 •  Neomycin and polymyxin B are antibiotics. They are used to treat bacterial infections.
 •  Dexamethasone is a steroid. It is used to treat the swelling associated with bacterial infections of the eye.
 •  maxitrol is used to treat bacterial infections of the eyes.
 •  maxitrol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not use maxitrol?
 •  Do not use maxitrol if you have a viral or fungal infection in your eye. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria only.
 •  It is not known whether maxitrol will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
 •  It is not known whether maxitrol passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use maxitrol?
 •  Use neomycin/ polymyxin B and dexamethasone eyedrops or ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Wash your hands before and after using your eyedrops or ointment.
 •  To apply the eyedrops:
      · Shake the drops gently to be sure the medicine is well mixed. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down your tear duct. If you are using more than one drop in the same eye or drops in both eyes, repeat the process with about 5 minutes between drops.
 •  To apply the ointment:
      · Hold the tube in your hand for a few minutes to warm it up so that the ointment comes out easily. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down gently on your lower eyelid. Apply a thin film of the ointment into your lower eyelid. Close your eye and roll your eyeball around in all directions for 1 to 2 minutes. If you are applying another eye medication, allow at least 10 minutes before your next application.
 •  Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
 •  Never use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
 •  Store maxitrol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube properly capped.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  An overdose of this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control left near you. If the drops or ointment have been ingested, drink plenty of fluid and call an emergency left for advice.

What should I avoid while using maxitrol?
 •  Do not touch the dropper or tube opening to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper or tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. maxitrol may cause blurred vision. If you experience blurred vision, avoid these activities.
 •  Use caution with contact lenses. Wear them only if your doctor approves. After applying this medication, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses.
 •  Avoid other eye medications unless your doctor approves.

What are the possible side effects of maxitrol?
 •  Serious side effects are not expected with this medication.
 •  Some burning, stinging, irritation, itching, redness, blurred vision, eyelid itching, eyelid swelling, or sensitivity to light may occur. Continue to use neomycin/ polymyxin B and dexamethasone and talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience.

What other drugs will affect maxitrol?
 •  Avoid other eye medications unless they are approved by your doctor.
 •  Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking an oral steroid medication such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, others).
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with maxitrol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.