Neomycin, polymyxin b, and dexamethasone (Ophthalmic)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 1, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Maxitrol

Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid

Chemical Class: Aminoglycoside

Uses for neomycin, polymyxin b, and dexamethasone

Neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone combination is used to treat eye infections and inflammation, including conjunctivitis and chronic anterior uveitis. It also prevents damage caused by chemicals, radiation, or foreign objects entering the eye.

Neomycin and polymyxin B belong to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. They work by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth. Dexamethasone is a steroid medicine that is used to relieve the redness, itching, and swelling caused by eye infections.

Neomycin, polymyxin b, and dexamethasone is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using neomycin, polymyxin b, and dexamethasone

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For neomycin, polymyxin b, and dexamethasone, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to neomycin, polymyxin b, and dexamethasone or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone eye drops in children 2 years of age and older. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 2 years of age.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone eye ointment in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone eye drops and eye ointment in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking neomycin, polymyxin b, and dexamethasone, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using neomycin, polymyxin b, and dexamethasone with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some ...