Prescribing overview
Maxitrol ointment contains a steroid; it is not equivalent to steroid-free NeoPolyBac.
Key prescribing checks
- Ocular steroids can delay healing, worsen infection and cause perforation when the cornea is thinned; examine the cornea before use.
- The label contraindicates several viral, fungal and mycobacterial eye conditions and component hypersensitivity.
- Monitor ocular pressure when clinically indicated; prolonged steroid exposure can produce glaucoma.
Uses by species
Approval and evidence apply to the named product, species, route and indication. An extra-label use requires its own prescribing assessment; a human indication is not an animal approval.
Veterinary patients
Not established by reviewed human labelSteroid-responsive ocular inflammation with susceptible bacterial infection/risk: human indication only.
Animal use requires a veterinarian's separate diagnosis and prescription.
Use / indication source ↗Pharmacology & pharmacokinetics
Mechanism and clinical role
Dexamethasone suppresses inflammation; neomycin and polymyxin supply antibacterial activity.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination
Veterinary ocular absorption and elimination were not established by the reviewed label.
SAFETY REFERENCE · PRODUCT & SPECIES SPECIFIC
Contraindications & cautions
Contraindications identify circumstances where the source says a product should not be used. Precautions call for assessment or monitoring. Interactions identify combinations to review. They are distinct categories; this summary does not replace a full interaction check or the current product label.
Maxitrol
Human ophthalmic ointment
Contraindications · when not to use
- Epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia, varicella and many other viral corneal/conjunctival diseases.
- Ocular mycobacterial infection or fungal ocular disease.
- Known or suspected component hypersensitivity.
Precautions & monitoring
- Steroids may mask infection, raise ocular pressure, delay healing or cause perforation in thinned cornea/sclera.
Neo-Poly-Dex
Archived human ophthalmic ointment label
Contraindications · when not to use
- Viral corneal/conjunctival diseases including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia and varicella.
- Ocular mycobacterial or fungal disease.
- Component hypersensitivity.
Precautions & monitoring
- Steroid-associated glaucoma, infection masking and perforation require examination and monitoring.
Human label; this does not establish veterinary approval or an animal treatment protocol.
Neo-Poly-Dex evidence is archived; confirm the current manufacturer and container label.
Safety sources checked: . Selected label information; independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review remains pending. A label for dogs, cats, horses or humans does not establish safety for another species.
Adverse effects
Steroid risks include raised ocular pressure, infection masking, delayed healing and perforation in thinned tissue.
These are selected source-reported effects, not incidence estimates or an exhaustive list. Spontaneous postmarketing reports do not by themselves establish frequency or causality.
Dosing & administration
A verified veterinary dose has not been entered for this product. Human-label dosing must not be used as an animal regimen. Consult a current species-specific clinical source and the prescribing veterinarian.
A veterinary dose was not verified from an approved animal label; human dosing is not an animal regimen.
Extra-label prescribing and food-animal residue requirements are separate from labeled regimens. FDA extra-label-use guidance ↗
Drug & supplement interactions
This is a selected interaction reference, not an automated or comprehensive combination checker. Reconcile prescription drugs, nonprescription products, supplements and recent treatment changes.
A product-specific interaction summary has not been established here. An empty list must not be interpreted as “no interactions.” Review the full source and a species-appropriate clinical reference.
Monitoring
Examine corneal integrity and infection status; monitor pressure with prolonged treatment.
Client counseling
Report worsening pain promptly; do not use leftover steroid eye medicine for a new episode.
This section supports the veterinary team's discharge discussion; it does not replace the product’s Client Information Sheet where one is required.
Storage & handling
Preserve tip sterility and follow the current ointment package's storage directions.
Brands, formulations & ingredient identity
Active ingredients
Neomycin sulfate · Polymyxin B sulfate · Dexamethasone
Other searchable names: NeoPolyDex · Neo Poly Dex · NPD
Maxitrol and the cited Neo-Poly-Dex label contain this three-ingredient combination.
Ointment and suspension are different presentations; confirm the complete product and prescribed form.
Do not shorten this identity to neomycin or treat it as a synonym for a steroid-free antibiotic product.
Shared ingredients do not establish interchangeable concentrations, routes, release properties, species labeling or regional availability.
Maxitrol
- Formulation
- Sterile ophthalmic ointment
- Label / product scope
- Human product
Antibiotic plus steroid; not equivalent to steroid-free NeoPoly products.
Product label / source ↗Neo-Poly-Dex
- Formulation
- Sterile ophthalmic ointment
- Label / product scope
- Human product
Archived repackager label verifies name; confirm current dispensing product.
Product label / source ↗References & review status
Clinical reference updated October 16, 2026. Independent veterinary or veterinary-pharmacy review not yet completed. Evidence gaps remain explicitly identified; this page does not claim equivalence to a comprehensive, professionally reviewed veterinary formulary.