Maxitrol Eye Drops
Maxitrol
MedicationOphthalmic suspension (antibiotic + steroid eye drops)
Certifications
- Licensed ophthalmic medicinal product with steroid and antibiotic components according to national regulatory authorities (e.g. UK EMC / EMA / FDA)
- Licensed ophthalmic medicinal product with steroid and antibiotic components according to national regulatory authorities (e.g. UK EMC / EMA / FDA)
Ophthalmic suspension (antibiotic + steroid eye drops)
Description
Maxitrol is an ophthalmic suspension combining a corticosteroid (dexamethasone) with two antibiotics (neomycin sulfate and polymyxin B sulfate), used to treat inflammatory eye conditions where there is also a risk or presence of bacterial infection. It reduces inflammation while preventing or treating bacterial infections of the anterior segment of the eye. The suspension is sterile and is administered as drops into the conjunctival sac.
Bnefits
- Combines anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone with the antibacterial activity of neomycin and polymyxin B — useful when both inflammation and infection risk are present.
- Convenient single formulation rather than separate steroid and antibiotic drops, improving compliance and ensuring correct dosing of both components.
- Effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria commonly implicated in ocular infections (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) when used appropriately.
Indications
- Steroid-responsive inflammatory eye conditions (e.g. conjunctivitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, keratitis or keratoconjunctivitis) when there is a risk or presence of bacterial infection and fungal or viral disease has been excluded.
- When both anti-inflammatory and prophylactic or therapeutic antibiotic treatment of the eye is judged necessary.
Composition
- Dexamethasone 0.1% (w/v)
- Neomycin sulfate 3.5 mg / mL (or per g for ointment)
- Polymyxin B sulfate 6000 IU / mL (or per g for ointment)
- Preservative (e.g. benzalkonium chloride in suspension)
Formulation
- Ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
- Sterile suspension in multi-dose plastic dropper bottle (e.g. 5 ml), white opaque liquid.
Packaging
- Multi-dose eye-dropper bottle (e.g. 5 mL) labelled with active ingredients, concentration, batch and expiry.
Usage
- Shake the bottle well before use.
- Instill 1–2 drops into the affected eye(s), into the conjunctival sac.
- In mild disease: up to 4–6 times daily. In more severe cases: may be used hourly, tapering as condition improves.
- Do not touch dropper tip to eye or surrounding area to avoid contamination.
- After instilling, apply gentle pressure to the inner corner of eye (nasolacrimal duct) for ~1 minute to reduce systemic absorption.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to dexamethasone, neomycin, polymyxin B or any excipients.
- Viral, fungal or mycobacterial eye infections (e.g. herpes simplex keratitis, varicella, vaccinia, untreated parasitic eye infections).
- Untreated ocular fungal or parasitic infections or mycobacterial ocular infections.
Adverse Effects
- Eye irritation, stinging or discomfort on instillation.
- Blurred vision, increased intraocular pressure, potential for delayed wound healing in the eye.
- Risk of secondary infection or overgrowth of fungi/bacteria if used for prolonged periods.
- Potential for serious adverse reactions such as ulcerative keratitis or hypersensitivity reactions (rare).
Storage Conditions
- Store upright at controlled room temperature (approx. 8–27 °C).
- Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and discard after the expiry date or after 28 days of opening depending on local guidance.
Duration
Short-term use only; continue until signs and symptoms resolve, but do not prolong use beyond that unless instructed by specialist.
Onset
Inflammation and discomfort may start improving within days, but depends on severity and cause.
