rxstat › Shortages › Polymyxin B Neomycin Dexamethasone

Polymyxin B Neomycin Dexamethasone (Maxitrol) shortage status

Partial shortage

Source: Health Canada shortage reports · Updated Nov 5, 2026

Some Polymyxin B Neomycin Dexamethasone products are in shortage in Canada (1 of 2 reported products), while others remain available. Your pharmacy may be able to substitute an unaffected manufacturer. The latest estimate for affected products to return is Dec 10, 2026.

A combination of antibiotics and a corticosteroid used for eye or ear infections with inflammation.

Products affected
1 / 2
Est. full return
Dec 10, 2026
Reports on file
8
Talk to a pharmacist
Pharmacists can substitute an unaffected manufacturer's version, adjust strengths, and in most provinces adapt or renew a prescription on the spot.
Book a pharmacist appointment
Need your prescription switched?
If your product stays unavailable, an online doctor can assess your situation and prescribe an alternative.
See a doctor online

Independent services, not affiliated with rxstat; referral fees may apply. Free options exist depending on your province. In an emergency call 911; free health advice at 811.

Shortage history

2023 2024 2025 2026

Shortage history (red bands = periods in shortage).

Reports by product

The DIN is printed on your prescription label.

Active shortage
MAXITROL
3.5MG 0.1% 6000UNIT · OINTMENT · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00358177 · since ?, est. end Dec 10, 2026 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MAXITROL
6000UNIT 3.5MG 0.1% · OINTMENT · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00358177 · ended Aug 18, 2025 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MAXITROL
6000UNIT 3.5MG 0.1% · SUSPENSION · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00042676 · ended Jan 13, 2023 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
MAXITROL
6000UNIT 3.5MG 0.1% · SUSPENSION · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00042676 · ended Jun 16, 2022 · Disruption of the manufacture of the drug.
Resolved
MAXITROL
1MG 6000UNIT 3.5MG · SUSPENSION · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00042676 · ended Feb 4, 2019 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
MAXITROL
1MG 6000UNIT 3.5MG · OINTMENT · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00358177 · ended Nov 6, 2018 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
MAXITROL
1MG 6000UNIT 3.5MG · OINTMENT · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00358177 · ended Apr 23, 2018 · Delay in shipping of the drug.
Resolved
MAXITROL
1MG 6000UNIT 3.5MG · OINTMENT · NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC
DIN 00358177 · ended Sep 13, 2017 · Delay in shipping of the drug.

What's happening

Polymyxin B Neomycin Dexamethasone is currently affected by an active shortage report filed with Health Canada by NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA INC.

The reported cause is: disruption of the manufacture of the drug. Manufacturers must report shortages, but end-date estimates are their own projections and often move.

If your usual product is affected, a pharmacist is the fastest route to a solution: they can dispense an unaffected manufacturer's equivalent when one exists, and in most provinces can adapt doses or substitute a therapeutic alternative without a new appointment.

Polymyxin B Neomycin Dexamethasone is classified under “ANTIINFLAMMATORY AGENTS AND ANTIINFECTIVES IN COMB” (ATC S01CA).

Recent changes

Common questions

What is Polymyxin B Neomycin Dexamethasone used for?

A combination of antibiotics and a corticosteroid used for eye or ear infections with inflammation.

When will Polymyxin B Neomycin Dexamethasone be back in stock in Canada?

The latest manufacturer estimate is Dec 10, 2026. Estimates are self-reported and often slip; this page updates automatically when they change.

Why is Polymyxin B Neomycin Dexamethasone in shortage?

See the reports above; manufacturers must state a reason (most commonly manufacturing disruption or a surge in demand) when filing with Health Canada.

What can my pharmacist do about it?

Often quite a lot: substitute an equivalent product from an unaffected manufacturer, adjust quantities, or in most provinces adapt or renew prescriptions on the spot. Call your pharmacy before visiting, and call 811 for free health advice.

Email alerts

Get an email when this drug's status changes. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe.

Possible alternatives in the same class (antiinflammatory agents and antiinfectives in comb)

Drugs in the same therapeutic class, best-supplied first. These are not automatic substitutes: only your pharmacist or prescriber can judge whether a switch makes sense for you.

Guides: what to do when your medication is in shortage · how to read shortage reports

Data reflects reports manufacturers are legally required to file with Health Canada, republished with per-drug aggregation by rxstat. Estimated end dates are supplied by manufacturers and frequently change. This page describes drug supply only and is not medical advice; never stop or switch a medication without speaking to your pharmacist or prescriber.