Maxitrol

How does it work?

Dexamethasone belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids, used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation occurs as a result of allergy or irritation and is caused by the release of substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. Corticosteroids work by acting within cells to decrease the release of these substances in a particular area, thereby reducing swelling, redness and itch. Neomycin belongs to a group of antibiotics called aminoglycosides. These antibiotics have the ability to destroy a wide variety of bacteria. Neomycin binds to components in the bacterial cell, which results in the production of abnormal proteins. These proteins are normally necessary for the bacteria's survival, therefore the production of abnormal proteins is ultimately fatal to the bacteria. Polymixin B sulphate belongs to a class of antibiotics called polymyxins. They destroy bacteria by interfering with the function of part of the bacteria's cell wall. This results in leaking of the contents of the cell leading the to death of the bacteria. The combination of these medicines is used to treat inflammatory conditions of the eye, where bacterial infection is also present or likely to occur.

What is it used for?

Inflammation of the eye when prevention of bacterial infection is also required

Warning!

It is recommended that you receive regular eye examinations while you taking this medicine, as it can sometimes cause eye problems. Consult your doctor if you experience any disturbances in your vision while taking this medicine.

Avoid prolonged use.

This medicine may cause your vision to blur temporarily after you have applied it into your eye. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off.

Intensive or prolonged application of corticosteroids to the eye may lead to an increase in the pressure inside the eye, glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve or the formation of cataracts.

This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.

Each container of this medicine should discarded four weeks after the first opening. You may find it helpful to write the date of opening on the pack. Dispose of carefully, preferably by returning to your pharmacy.

This medicine should not be used to treat a red eye not diagnosed by a doctor, as inappropriate use can cause blindness.

Soft contact lenses should not be worn during treatment with Maxitrol eye drops.

Use with caution in

Children

Individuals who have shown hypersensitivity reactions to similar antibiotics e.g. kanamycin, gentamicin, framycetin

Not to be used in

Eye conditions producing pus

Fungal infections of the eye

Tuberculosis infection affecting the eye

Viral infections of the eye

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be used with caution, and only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Itching (pruritus)

Partial loss of vision due to opacity in the lens of the eye (cataracts)

Irritation

Burning sensation

Inflammation of the skin (dermatitis)

Increased pressure within the eye

Stinging

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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