Maxitrol Ointment Description

Maxitrol Ointment was formulated as an antibiotic for eye infections, including blepharitis and bacterial conjunctivitis. Once your doctor has established that your infection is caused by bacteria and is not a viral infection, you will apply Maxitrol Ointment by gently pulling out your lower eyelid to form a pocket and squeeze a ½ inch ribbon into the space and then look downward before closing your eye. Do not rub your eye or open it right away.

3 Active Ingredients to Stop the Infection and Inflammation

There are 3 active ingredients in Maxitrol Ointment; 2 antibiotics, Neomycin Sulfate and Polymyxin B Sulfate, and a corticosteroid called Dexamethasone. Neomycin Sulfate belongs to the aminoglycoside group of antibiotics that will work by interfering with production of an essential protein that bacteria need in order to form a sturdy bacterial cell membrane. This action renders the bacteria unable to grow and multiply. Polymyxin B Sulfate exerts its bactericidal actions to alter member permeability and results in cell death. The corticosteroid, Dexamethasone, will work to reduce the activity of your immune system to help reduce the inflammation.

Conditions Treated by Maxitrol Ointment

Bacterial conjunctivitis is a big medical term for ‘pink eye’. The bacteria that causes pink eye can be contracted by contact with an infected person, touching a contaminated surface then rubbing your eye, and also from a sinus or ear infection. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers the whites of your eyes and lines the inside of eyelid and turns red, becomes itchy, and may or may not produce a discharge. This eye conditions is very contagious and may be difficult at times to get a handle on when this occurs in young school-aged children and daycare centers because of the close contact and limited hygiene.

Before Maxitrol Ointment is Prescribed

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding, ask your doctor about the safety of using Maxitrol Ointment. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to determine if Maxitrol Ointment will cause any adverse effects.

Maxitrol Ointment Precautions

Use Maxitrol Ointment for the full treatment course as instructed by your doctor or the infection could start up again. Do not share this or any medications with others, even if they have the same symptoms. Do not attempt to drive, operate machinery, or perform any task that could be dangerous if your vision is impaired temporarily form Maxitrol Ointment. When treating young children, be aware of allowing them on stairways and such until vision is clear.

Possible Side Effects of Maxitrol Ointment

• Itchiness
• Blurred vision
• Temporary burning upon application
• Dry or flaky skin around the treated area

Drugs Similar to Maxitrol Ointment

• Vigamox
• Ciloxan Eye Drops
• Tobradex Eye Drops