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Uses

What is neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic (eye) used for?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic (eye) is commonly used to treat or prevent eye infections caused by bacteria. It also helps reduce swelling.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic, which will make it not work as well.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?

Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic kills certain types of bacteria by blocking their ability to create proteins that they need to grow and reproduce and by weakening their cell membrane.  It also reduces swelling in the eye by calming (suppressing) the immune system.

How is neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Dexasporin
  • Maxitrol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 3.5 mg/10,000 units/0.1% per gram ophthalmic ointment
  • 3.5 mg/10,000 units/0.1% per milliliter (mL) ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)

How should I store neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Eye Drop. Some neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic products should be stored at room temperature between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Some neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic products should be stored at room temperature between 46 F to 80 F (8 C to 27 C). Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic product. Keep the medicine container tightly closed until you are ready to use it. 

Eye Ointment. Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone eye ointment should be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C). Keep the medicine container tightly closed until you are ready to use it. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic?

The most common side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye itching or irritation
  • Eye swelling
  • Eye redness
  • Temporary blurred vision

There may be other side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Itching, redness, or swelling of the eyes

Other Eye Problems. Using neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic for a prolonged period of time may lead to other problems in the eye including elevated eye pressure, glaucoma, vision loss, cataracts, or thinning of the tissues covering the eye. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any vision changes while using this medicine. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked.

Another Infection With Prolonged Use. Using neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic for a prolonged period of time may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi or viruses. Call your healthcare provider if your eye infection does not improve or gets worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic.

  • Neomycin
  • Polymyxin B
  • Dexamethasone
  • Dexasporin
  • Maxitrol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic products they stock.

What should I know about neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic before using it?

Do not use neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Only use this medicine for an infection if your healthcare provider has prescribed it for this reason.

Use neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic as prescribed. Using it in a way other than it was prescribed may increase the chance that the bacteria will develop resistance to the medicine. This may cause the medicine to not work as well in the future. 

If the pain or swelling in your eye continues longer than two days or becomes worse, stop using neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic and contact your healthcare provider. If symptoms of an infection return after using the medicine, contact your healthcare provider. 

Do not share neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic out of the reach of children.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic ophthalmic should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine to your eye or any other surface including your finger. Do not inject the medicine into the eye.

Neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic can temporarily affect your vision. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Recent Cataract Surgery. Using neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the risk of complications. Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently had cataract surgery.

Allergies to Other Antibiotics. People who have previously had an allergic reaction to a medicine known as an aminoglycoside may experience an allergic cross-reaction while using neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of an allergic reaction to any medicines known as aminoglycosides.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic?

If you or someone else has used too much neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. 

It is important to complete your prescribed course of neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to neomycin/polymyxin B/dexamethasone ophthalmic or other similar medicines.