Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Dexamethasone



AK-Trol®[DSC]; Maxitrol®; Poly-Dex™







Neomycin, Polymyxin B, and Dexamethasone

(nee oh MYE sin, pol i MIKS in bee, & deks a METH a sone)

U.S. Brand Names
AK-Trol®[DSC]; Maxitrol®; Poly-Dex™
Canadian Brand Names
Dioptrol®; Maxitrol®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic/Corticosteroid, Ophthalmic
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to neomycin, polymyxin B, dexamethasone, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat eye infection with inflammation.
How does it work?
  • Neomycin and Polymixin B work to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
  • Dexamethasone prevents or reduces irritation and swelling.
How is it best taken?
  • Suspension:
  • For the eye only.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Shake well before use.
  • Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
  • Tilt head back and drop medicine into eye.
  • After using medicine, keep your eyes closed. Apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 3-5 minutes. This keeps the medicine in your eye.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 5 minutes.
  • Ointment:
  • For the eye only.
  • Wash your hands before and after use.
  • Place medicine inside the lower lid. Close the eye for 1-2 minutes. Roll eyeball around.
  • Separate each eye medicine by 10 minutes.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Instill a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not instill a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Eye irritation.
  • Bright lights may be irritating. Use sunglasses.
  • Blurred vision. Use caution when driving or doing other tasks that require you to have clear vision.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: