Drug Notes

Polymyxin B/neomycin/dexamethasone (Into the eye)

Dexamethasone (dex-a-METH-a-sone), Neomycin (nee-oh-MYE-sin), Polymyxin B (pol-ee-MIX-in B)

Treats and prevents eye infection and inflammation. This medicine contains a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Dexasporin, Maxitrol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Ointment, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Eye drops:
  • Shake the bottle well just before each use.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes.
  • Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye.
  • Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Ointment:
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Do not touch the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment about 1/2 inch long into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball.
  • Look down. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye problems.
• You will need to have your eyes checked regularly if you use the medicine for 10 days or longer. Keep all appointments.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Redness, pain, swelling, or itching in the eye
• Trouble seeing or other vision changes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017