Polymyxin B/Neomycin/Dexamethasone (Into The Eye)

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

Treats inflammation in the eye and prevents infection. This medicine is a combination of an antibiotic and a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Dexacine, Maxitrol, Ocu-Trol, Poly-Dex, Dexasporin, AK-Trol, Methadex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to polymixin b, neomycin, or dexamethasone, or if you have certain types of eye infections (such as herpes simplex).

How to Use This Medicine:

Ointment, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Wash your hands before and after using the medicine.
• Shake the eye drops 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.
• To use the eye drops: 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. Put the cap on the bottle right away.
• To use the ointment: Hold the tip of the tube close to your eye with the other hand. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to your eye or finger. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Wipe the tip with a clean tissue and close the tube tightly.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Eye drops: Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Ointment: Keep the tube tightly closed when you are not using it.
• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

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:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any other eye problems.
• Using this medicine over a long period of time can cause permanent damage to your eyes. If you use the medicine for 10 days or longer, you will need to have routine eye exams. Be sure to keep all appointments.

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 face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Signs of a new infection (redness, pain, swelling, or discharge in the eye)
• Trouble seeing or other change in vision

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