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MAXITROL

neomycin sulfate, polymyxin b sulfate and dexamethasone · Ointment

Prescription NDA TE AT RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
MAXITROL
Generic name
neomycin sulfate, polymyxin b sulfate and dexamethasone
Dosage form
Ointment
Route
Ophthalmic
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
3
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Dexamethasone 1 mg/g 197577 View
Neomycin Sulfate 3.5 mg/g 204602 View
Polymyxin B Sulfate 10000 [USP'U]/g 204602 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Ointment
Route of administration
Ophthalmic
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Aminoglycoside Antibacterial [EPC] EPC All 66 members
Aminoglycosides [CS] CS All 66 members
Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists [MoA] MoA All 215 members
Corticosteroid [EPC] EPC All 215 members
Polymyxin-class Antibacterial [EPC] EPC All 55 members
Polymyxins [CS] CS All 55 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
050065
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
July 19, 1963
Sponsor
SANDOZ
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
47
Products approved under application 050065.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
050065-002 MAXITROL OINTMENT DEXAMETHASONE; NEOMYCIN SULFATE; POLYMYXIN B SULFATE Prescription AT RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AT
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (topical dermatological products)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 050065.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 65 Labeling Approved May 14, 2021 Standard
Supplement 64 Labeling Approved December 18, 2017 Standard
Supplement 61 Labeling Approved April 12, 2017 Standard
Supplement 60 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 6, 2015 —
Supplement 57 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 18, 2012 —
Supplement 58 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 10, 2012 —
Supplement 44 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 15, 2004 —
Supplement 43 Labeling Approved July 15, 2004 Standard
Supplement 40 Labeling Approved July 23, 2003 Standard
Supplement 39 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 23, 2003 —
Supplement 41 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 11, 2002 —
Supplement 38 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 9, 2001 —
Supplement 37 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 28, 1999 —
Supplement 36 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 7, 1999 —
Supplement 35 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 5, 1999 —
Supplement 34 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 29, 1998 —
Supplement 32 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 29, 1996 —
Supplement 31 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 18, 1996 —
Supplement 29 Labeling Approved August 30, 1995 Standard
Supplement 30 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 18, 1995 —
Supplement 10 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 17, 1992 —
Supplement 13 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 3, 1992 —
Supplement 9 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 22, 1988 —
Supplement 7 Labeling Approved June 30, 1987 —
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 30, 1987 —
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved May 15, 1987 —
Supplement 5 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 25, 1984 —
Supplement 4 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 23, 1984 —
Supplement 3 Labeling Approved December 30, 1983 —
Supplement 2 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 23, 1983 —
Supplement 28 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 11, 1983 —
Supplement 1 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 11, 1983 —
Supplement 27 Labeling Approved July 29, 1982 —
Supplement 26 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 17, 1981 —
Supplement 25 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 13, 1981 —
Supplement 24 Labeling Approved May 10, 1978 —
Supplement 23 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 20, 1973 —
Supplement 22 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 8, 1973 —
Supplement 21 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 8, 1973 —
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved September 19, 1972 —
Supplement 19 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 12, 1972 —
Supplement 18 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 17, 1972 —
Supplement 17 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 10, 1972 —
Supplement 16 Labeling Approved August 9, 1971 —
Supplement 15 Labeling Approved July 22, 1971 —
Supplement 14 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 4, 1970 —
Original application 1 Approved July 19, 1963 Unknown

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · May 18, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · May 17, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · December 27, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · December 19, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · April 14, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · April 13, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · July 21, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · July 21, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · July 21, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · July 21, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · July 28, 2003
  • 0 · Supplement · July 28, 2003
  • 0 · Supplement · July 28, 2003
  • 0 · Supplement · July 28, 2003

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20231229). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20231229 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20230627

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

INDICATIONS AND USAGE For steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions for which a corticosteroid is indicated and where bacterial infection or a risk of bacterial ocular infection exists. Ocular steroids are indicated in inflammatory conditions of the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and anterior segment of the globe where the inherent risk of steroid use in certain infective conjunctivitides is accepted to obtain a diminution in edema and inflammation. They are also indicated in chronic anterior uveitis and corneal injury from chemical, radiation or thermal burns; or penetration of foreign bodies. The use of a combination drug with an anti-infective component is indicated where the risk of infection is high or where there is an expectation that potentially dangerous numbers of bacteria will be present in the eye. The particular anti-infective drug in this product is active against the following common bacterial eye pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella/Enterobacter species, Neisseria species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . This product does not provide adequate coverage against: Serratia marcescens and Streptococci , including Streptococcus pneumoniae .

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a small amount into the conjunctival sac(s) up to three or four times daily. How to Apply MAXITROL ® (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment): 1. Tilt your head back. 2. Place a finger on your cheek just under your eye and gently pull down until a "V" pocket is formed between your eyeball and your lower lid. 3. Place a small amount (about 1⁄2 inch) of MAXITROL (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment) in the "V" pocket. Do not let the tip of the tube touch your eye. 4. Look downward before closing your eye. Not more than 8 g should be prescribed initially and the prescription should not be refilled without further evaluation as outlined in PRECAUTIONS above.

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

CONTRAINDICATIONS MAXITROL ® (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment) is contraindicated in epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, varicella, and many other viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva. Mycobacterial infection of the eye. Fungal diseases of ocular structures. MAXITROL (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment) is also contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hypersensitivity to a component of the medication. (Hypersensitivity to the antibiotic component occurs at a higher rate than for other components.)

WARNINGS NOT FOR INJECTION. Use of ocular steroids may prolong the course and may exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex). Employment of steroid medication in the treatment of herpes simplex requires great caution; frequent slit lamp microscopy is recommended. Prolonged use may result in glaucoma, with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision, and posterior subcapsular cataract formation. Prolonged use may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections. In acute purulent conditions or parasitic infections of the eye, steroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection. In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations have been known to occur with the use of topical steroids. If this product is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure (IOP) should be routinely monitored even though it may be difficult in children and uncooperative patients. Steroids should be used with caution in the presence of glaucoma. IOP should be checked frequently. The use of steroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation. Products containing neomycin sulfate may cause cutaneous sensitization. Sensitivity to topically administered aminoglycosides, such as neomycin, may occur in some patients. Severity of hypersensitivity reactions may vary from local effects to generalized reactions such as erythema, itching, urticaria, skin rash, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reactions, or bullous reactions. If hypersensitivity develops during use of the product, treatment should be discontinued. Cross-hypersensitivity to other aminoglycosides can occur, and the possibility that patients who become sensitized to topical neomycin may also be sensitive to other topical and/or systemic aminoglycosides should be considered.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions have occurred with steroid/anti-infective combination drugs which can be attributed to the steroid component, the anti-infective component, or the combination. Exact incidence figures are not available since no denominator of treated patients is available. Reactions occurring most often from the presence of the anti-infective ingredient are allergic sensitizations. The reactions due to the steroid component are: elevation of IOP with possible development of glaucoma, and infrequent optic nerve damage; posterior subcapsular cataract formation; and delayed wound healing. Secondary Infection: The development of secondary infection has occurred after use of combinations containing steroids and antimicrobials. Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term applications of steroid. The possibility of fungal invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where steroid treatment has been used. Keratitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and conjunctival hyperemia have occasionally been reported following use of steroids. Secondary bacterial ocular infection following suppression of host responses also occurs. Additional adverse reactions identified from post marketing use include ulcerative keratitis, headache, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The following additional adverse reactions have been reported with dexamethasone use: Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal suppression may occur after use of dexamethasone in excess of the listed dosing instructions in predisposed patients, including children and patients treated with CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

DESCRIPTION MAXITROL ® (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment) is a multiple dose anti-infective steroid combination in sterile ointment form for topical application. The chemical structure for the active ingredient Neomycin Sulfate is: Neomycin B (R 1 =H, R 2 =CH 2 NH 2 ) Neomycin C (R 1 =CH 2 NH 2 , R 2 =H) The chemical structure for the active ingredient Polymyxin B Sulfate is: The chemical structure for the active ingredient dexamethasone is: C 22 H 29 FO 5 Molecular Weight = 392.47 g/mol Established name: dexamethasone Chemical name: pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione,9-fluoro-11,17, 21-trihydroxy-16-methyl-, (11β, 16α)-. Each gram of MAXITROL ® (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment) contains: Active: neomycin sulfate equivalent to neomycin 3.5 mg, polymyxin B sulfate 10,000 units, dexamethasone 0.1%. Preservatives: methylparaben 0.05%, propylparaben 0.01%. Inactives: anhydrous liquid lanolin and white petrolatum. The chemical structure for the active ingredient Neomycin Sulfate The chemical structure for the active ingredient Polymyxin B Sulfate polymyxin-text The chemical structure for the active ingredient Dexamethasone

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

HOW SUPPLIED MAXITROL ® (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment) is supplied as a STERILE ointment in an aluminum tube with a white polyethylene tip and white polyethylene cap as follows: 3.5 g in an aluminum tube NDC 66758-070-38 Storage : Store at 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F). After opening, MAXITROL (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment) can be used until the expiration date on the tube. Manufactured by SA Alcon-Couvreur NV Puurs, Belgium for Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540 Revised: December 2023 9101235 US

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
308,304
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DEXAMETHASONE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0078-0771-01 0078-0771 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation 3.5 g in 1 TUBE (0078-0771-01) August 25, 2020
66758-070-38 66758-070 Sandoz Inc 3.5 g in 1 TUBE (66758-070-38) September 2, 2024
0078-0771 0078-0771 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation — January 17, 1972
66758-070 66758-070 Sandoz Inc — January 17, 1972

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.