Neomycin/Polymyxin/Dexamethasone, Ophthalmic
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Neomycin/Polymyxin/Dexamethasone eye medicine during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Neomycin/Polymyxin/Dexamethasone, Ophthalmic
(nee-oh-mye-sin/pol-ee-mix-in/dex-a-meth-a-zone)
Description:
This is an eye medicine that combines antibiotics (to help with infection) and a steroid medicine (to help reduce swelling and irritation).
Other Names for this Medication:
- Maxitrol
Common Dosage Forms:
- Veterinary: None.
- Human:
- Eye drops
- Eye ointment
This handout does not include every possible detail about this medicine. It is meant to address common questions, but it does not replace medical guidance. If you need more details or have questions about this medicine, speak with your veterinarian or your pharmacist.
Key Information
- Do not give this medicine to animals that have an eye ulcer (a sore on the surface of the eye).
- In rare cases, cats may have a serious allergic response to this medicine.
- Contact your veterinarian if you see any possible allergy signs, such as trouble breathing, or if the eye problem seems to be getting worse, such as increased redness or squinting.
- Before you put the medicine in the eye, clean your hands. Keep the tip of the dropper clean. Do not let the tip touch your pet’s eye.
- If your pet is using more than one eye medicine, leave a 5-minute gap between each one.
How is this medication useful for Neomycin/Polymyxin/Dexamethasone eye medicine?
These eye drops or eye ointment (neomycin, polymyxin, and dexamethasone) are used for eye infection and eye inflammation (swelling and irritation).
This medicine is approved for people, but it is not officially approved for animals. You and your veterinarian can talk about why this option is the best fit.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many different factors can change how well this medicine works for your pet. Talk with your veterinarian about the points below so you can decide together on the best plan.
- Make sure your veterinarian and pharmacist know about every product your pet receives. This includes all medicines (including other eye medicines), vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Also share how much you give and when you give each one.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your pet has now, or has had before.
- If your pet has had treatment in the past for the same illness or problem, let your veterinarian know what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- If your pet is pregnant or nursing, discuss with your veterinarian what risks may come with using this medicine.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist if your pet has ever had side effects from medicines before. Examples include allergic reactions, not wanting to eat, diarrhea, itching, or hair loss.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
This medicine is expected to begin working within 1 to 2 hours. After that, you should start to see your pet’s symptoms improve.
The effect does not last long. It stops working within 24 hours.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any concerns that apply to your pet.
If any of the situations below fit your pet, speak with your veterinarian about the possible benefits compared with the possible risks of using this medicine.
- That have an allergy to this medicine or to similar medicines
- That have an eye ulcer
- Animals that are pregnant or nursing
- Animals with diabetes (blood sugar problems)
- Animals with glaucoma (high pressure in the eye)
- Cats. In rare cases, cats may have a serious allergic response to this medicine.
What are the side effects of this medication?
Side effects that are usually not serious include:
If any of the signs below are strong, get worse, or do not go away, contact your veterinarian.
- A mild burning feeling, stinging, irritation, or redness in the eyes
- Drooping of the eyelid
Side effects that may be serious or indicate a serious problem:
If you notice any of the signs below, contact your veterinarian right away.
- Trouble breathing or loud/noisy breathing. This may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction.
- Squinting, fluid coming from the eye, or increased redness in the white part of the eye. These may be signs that the eye infection is getting worse.
- Changes in blood sugar in animals that have diabetes.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
Giving too much is not likely when the medicine is used in the eye. However, problems can happen if your pet eats the medicine. If that occurs, call your veterinarian or contact an animal poison control service for guidance.
How should this medication be given?
For this medicine to work as intended, use it exactly the way your veterinarian instructed. Always read the label to confirm you are giving it the correct way.
- Some versions of this medicine must be shaken well before use. Look at the product label to see if shaking is required.
- Wash your hands before you apply the medicine.
- Do not touch the dropper tip with your fingers. Do not let the dropper tip touch your pet’s eye or any other surface.
- Put the medicine into your pet’s eye(s) exactly as your veterinarian directed.
- If your pet is receiving more than one eye medicine, wait 5 minutes between each one.
- Use eye drops first, and then use eye ointments.
- If you are struggling to give the medicine, or if your pet will not tolerate it, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist for advice on how to give it and how to make dosing less stressful.
- This medicine may be prescribed for different time periods. Make sure you know how long your veterinarian wants your pet to keep using it. You may need prescription refills before the full course is finished. Do not stop this medicine without speaking to your veterinarian first, because there may be important reasons to continue.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
If you forget a dose, skip it and give the next dose at the normal scheduled time. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
How should I store this medication?
- Keep the medicine in its original container.
- Close the cap firmly.
- Keep it at room temperature.
- Store it where children and other animals cannot reach it.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
No special handling steps are needed unless you are allergic to this medicine. After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
- Do not pour this medicine into the sink and do not flush it in the toilet.
- If your area has a community medicine “take-back” program, use that.
- If there is no take-back option, place it in the regular household trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine to use later, and do not give it to anyone else.
What other information is important for this medication?
- Some animal competitions may not allow the use of this medicine. Check the rules before entering a competition while your animal is receiving this medicine.
- If you have more questions about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”
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