Maxitrol

Maxitrol Eye Drops / Maxitrol Eye Ointment

Maxitrol (MAXITROL) (Neomycin and Polymyxin B)

Our eyes are an organ that is constantly exposed to the external environment and to the particles present in it, and therefore there is a risk that, given the appropriate conditions, various organisms may reach the eye and cause inflammation and damage. The most common inflammation in the eyes is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the layer that covers the white part of the eyes. It will usually present in the appearance of a "red eye."

Another organ that may be involved in inflammation is the cornea (the central area of the eye through which the light rays pass). In the case of inflammation of the cornea, the symptoms will be more turbulent, and the concern about damage to the eye is greater. There can also be inflammation of more internal areas of the eye. In addition, inflammation can form in the area of the eyelids, around the eyelashes, or in the oil and sebaceous glands responsible for producing tears. (For example, a “stye,” which occurs when there is an infection in an oil gland in the eyelid.)

Possible causes of eye inflammation are viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, various allergens (from dust to cosmetic products), foreign bodies, and more. In this article we will focus on eye inflammation caused by bacteria, and in particular on treatment with Maxitrol eye drops or Maxitrol eye ointment.

The most common cause of eye inflammation is following viruses such as adenovirus, and they are considered very contagious by contact. Bacteria are a less common cause but pose a greater risk of damage to the eyes. Inflammations from a viral cause tend to pass on their own, unlike bacterial inflammations, which will usually require treatment. Often it is difficult to distinguish between viral inflammation and bacterial inflammation at first glance, and therefore in the case of eye inflammation, and especially when there are acute symptoms, one should consult an ophthalmologist in order to receive the optimal treatment and minimize as much as possible the damage and the presence of symptoms.

The symptoms of bacterial eye inflammation are varied and include: redness, itching, watery or purulent discharge, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, swelling of the eyelids, and pain. If there are complaints of blurring and a decline in vision, there is concern that there is involvement of the cornea. The risk factors for eye inflammation are exposure to known allergens, not keeping to hand hygiene, a fever or cold illness, swimming in a contaminated body of water, incorrect use of contact lenses, and penetration of a foreign body that exposes the cornea to infection.

– Common viruses that cause eye inflammation are Adenovirus, Herpes, Varicella Zoster.
– Common bacteria that cause eye inflammation are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Neisseria gonorrheae.

If on examination there is suspicion of the presence of bacterial eye inflammation, treatment that includes an antibiotic agent should be received in order to destroy the bacteria and prevent irreversible damage to the eye. Maxitrol drops and Maxitrol ointment are a preparation containing a combination of two antimicrobial agents (neomycin and polymyxin B) and steroids (dexamethasone). The antimicrobial agents treat the bacterial component, and the steroids treat the inflammatory component (they reduce the inflammation and the swelling and congestion that form as a result of it).

Maxitrol eye drops and ointment are intended for treatment in both children and adults. The medication Maxitrol is intended for treating eye inflammations that stem from a bacterial infection and respond to treatment with steroids. It is important to emphasize that the use of Maxitrol is for bacterial eye inflammation only, and other causes, such as a virus or a fungal pathogen, should be ruled out as possible causes of the inflammation before use (both because the medication will not be effective on them and because there are infections in which steroids must not be given). Since Maxitrol (both the drops and the ointment) contains a steroid component, one should not treat for more than a few days continuously in order to avoid side effects.

How to Use Maxitrol Drops and Ointment

Maxitrol is a medication given by physician's prescription only, and it should not be used beyond the time advised by the treating physician.

Maxitrol eye drops – shake the bottle before use. Keep to hand hygiene. Avoid contact of the tip of the bottle with the eye or the eyelid. The use is usually a drop or two, several times a day, according to what the treating physician prescribed.

Maxitrol eye ointment – move the lower eyelid to create a pocket and place a little of the ointment into it (about 1.5 cm). Then close the eye and roll the eyeball in all directions in order to spread the ointment. Use up to three to four times a day, depending on the prescription. It is important to keep to washing hands before use and to clean the tip of the tube with a disinfectant wipe.

It is important to ensure correct and sufficient use of the medication in order to guarantee the eradication of the bacterial cause and prevent a return of the inflammation. Do not stop the use of Maxitrol without consulting the treating physician.

Maxitrol Eye Drops / Ointment – Price

Maxitrol is a common medication and a recognized treatment in all the health funds. The price is subsidized and amounts to a few tens of shekels, depending on the quantity and type.