PRODUCT DETAILS

Composition

Maxitrol is a combination eye drop/ointment containing:

• Neomycin sulphate (antibiotic)
• Polymyxin B sulphate (antibiotic)
• Dexamethasone (corticosteroid / steroid)

So it has:

• 2 antibiotics → kill bacteria
• 1 steroid → reduces inflammation and redness

Use / Indication

Maxitrol is used for bacterial eye infections with inflammation, such as:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis (infected “pink eye”)
• Blepharitis (eyelid infection/inflammation)
• Eye inflammation where bacterial infection is present or suspected
• Post-injury or post-procedure eye inflammation (doctor-directed cases)

It is NOT used for viral or fungal eye infections and can worsen them.

Direction of Use

Typical use (doctor dependent):

• 1–2 drops in affected eye(s) up to 4–6 times daily
• Sometimes more frequent at the start, then reduced as infection improves

Steps:

• Wash hands
• Pull lower eyelid down
• Instill drop without touching tip to eye
• Close eye for 1–2 minutes
• Press inner corner of eye (reduces drainage)

Side Effects

Common:

• Temporary blurred vision
• Mild eye irritation, burning or stinging

Less common:

• Eye redness or discomfort
• Watery eyes
• Light sensitivity

Serious (needs urgent attention):

• Eye pain or worsening redness
• Sudden vision changes
• High eye pressure (glaucoma risk with steroid use)
• Slow wound healing or persistent infection signs

Warning

• Do NOT use if you have:
• Viral eye infection (e.g., herpes)
• Fungal eye infection
• Allergy to ingredients
• Important risks with prolonged use:
• Increased eye pressure (glaucoma)
• Cataract formation
• Masking/worsening infections due to steroid component
• Long-term or unsupervised use can be harmful
• Always complete only the prescribed course

Interaction

• Minimal systemic interactions (eye use is local)
• Caution with:
• Other eye drops (should be spaced apart)
• Other steroid eye drops (additive steroid effects)

Caution

• Temporary blurred vision is common → avoid driving immediately after use
• Do not overuse antibiotics → risk of resistance
• Steroid component makes it stronger but also higher-risk than plain antibiotic drops
• Should only be used under prescription and monitoring if used for more than a few days