Drug Class: Dual Antibiotic Combination | Form: Sterile Ophthalmic Ointment | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx)
What Is Xinoxy Eye Ointment?
Xinoxy Eye Ointment (3g) is a prescription sterile ophthalmic ointment combining two antibiotics — Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride and Polymyxin B Sulfate — to treat superficial bacterial eye infections. Each ingredient works through a completely different antibacterial mechanism, together providing broader coverage against the bacteria most commonly responsible for eye infections than either antibiotic could achieve alone.
Oxytetracycline blocks bacterial protein synthesis while Polymyxin B destroys the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria — a dual approach that targets both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms simultaneously. As an ointment, Xinoxy maintains prolonged contact with the eye surface, delivering sustained antibacterial action and making it particularly effective for overnight use or when extended coverage is required.
Xinoxy is a prescription-only medicine and must only be used under medical supervision with a confirmed bacterial diagnosis.
What Is Xinoxy Eye Ointment Used For?
Xinoxy Eye Ointment is prescribed for superficial bacterial eye infections caused by susceptible organisms, including:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis (آنکھ آنا) — bacterial infection of the conjunctiva causing redness, discharge, and eye irritation
- Blepharitis — bacterial infection and inflammation of the eyelid margins causing crusting, soreness, and redness
- Styes (انجنی) — infected eyelid glands caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
- Superficial corneal infections — early or mild bacterial involvement of the corneal surface
- Infected corneal abrasions — prevention and treatment of bacterial infection in minor corneal wounds or scratches
- Trachoma — chronic bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, for which Oxytetracycline has established clinical activity
Xinoxy treats superficial bacterial infections only. It will not treat viral conjunctivitis, fungal eye infections, or allergic eye conditions. Correct diagnosis is essential before starting treatment.
How Does Xinoxy Eye Ointment Work?
Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride — Protein Synthesis Inhibitor: Oxytetracycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic that enters bacterial cells and binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit — the component bacteria use to manufacture proteins essential for their growth and survival. By blocking this process, Oxytetracycline halts bacterial reproduction and prevents the infection from spreading further. Its broad spectrum covers gram-positive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus, gram-negative bacteria, and atypical organisms including Chlamydia trachomatis — the cause of trachoma — making it one of the more versatile antibiotics in ophthalmic use.
Polymyxin B Sulfate — Cell Membrane Disruptor: Polymyxin B is a polypeptide antibiotic that targets the outer cell membrane of gram-negative bacteria. It binds directly to the membrane's phospholipid layer, disrupting its structural integrity and causing the bacterial cell to leak and rapidly die. Polymyxin B provides potent and specific activity against gram-negative organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae — bacteria that can cause particularly aggressive eye infections and are often resistant to other antibiotic classes.
Combined Effect: Oxytetracycline's broad-spectrum protein synthesis inhibition combined with Polymyxin B's gram-negative membrane destruction creates a complementary dual mechanism — covering the full range of bacteria most commonly responsible for superficial eye infections through two independent pathways, reducing the likelihood of treatment failure due to single-antibiotic resistance.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Use exactly as prescribed. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early. Never touch the tube tip to the eye or any surface. Ointment causes temporary blurring after application — do not drive immediately after use.
| Indication | Dose | Frequency | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacterial conjunctivitis | Small ribbon (approx. 1cm) | 3 – 4 times daily | 5 – 7 days |
| Blepharitis or stye | 1cm ribbon to eyelid margin | 2 – 3 times daily | 5 – 7 days |
| Trachoma | As directed by doctor | As prescribed | As prescribed |
| Post-operative prophylaxis | As directed by surgeon | As prescribed | As prescribed |
How to Apply:
- Wash hands thoroughly before every application
- Tilt head back and look upward
- Gently pull the lower eyelid down to form a small pocket
- Squeeze approximately 1cm ribbon of ointment into the pocket without allowing the tube tip to touch the eye, eyelid, or any surface
- Close the eye gently and roll it around to distribute the ointment evenly across the eye surface
- Blot away any excess ointment from around the eye with a clean tissue
- Replace the cap firmly immediately after use
- Temporary blurring for a few minutes after application is normal — wait until vision clears before driving
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride | Binds to bacterial 30S ribosome — blocks protein synthesis, halts bacterial growth |
| Polymyxin B Sulfate | Disrupts gram-negative bacterial outer cell membrane — causes rapid cell death |
Who Should NOT Use Xinoxy Eye Ointment?
Do not use Xinoxy if you:
- Are allergic to Oxytetracycline, any other tetracycline antibiotic, Polymyxin B, or any ingredient in this product
- Have a viral eye infection — including Herpes simplex keratitis — Xinoxy has no antiviral activity and will not treat viral infections
- Have a fungal eye infection — antibiotics do not treat fungal infections
- Are wearing soft contact lenses — remove before application and do not wear during treatment
- Are pregnant — tetracyclines are generally avoided during pregnancy due to effects on developing fetal bone and teeth
Always consult your doctor before use if you:
- Are breastfeeding — tetracyclines pass into breast milk
- Are using any other eye medications — allow at least 5 minutes between products and apply Xinoxy ointment last
- Have a history of tetracycline hypersensitivity
- Are treating a child under 8 years — systemic tetracyclines are avoided in young children; confirm suitability of topical use with your doctor
Side Effects
Common (mild and temporary):
- Temporary blurring of vision immediately after application — normal with eye ointments, clears within minutes
- Mild stinging or burning sensation on application
- Mild temporary redness or watering of the eye
Serious — Stop Use and Seek Medical Attention Immediately:
- Worsening symptoms despite 48 hours of treatment — increasing redness, pain, or discharge may indicate a resistant organism, incorrect diagnosis, or secondary infection requiring reassessment
- Signs of tetracycline hypersensitivity — increasing irritation, swelling, or rash around the eye after starting treatment
- Severe allergic reaction — swelling of eyelids or face, widespread rash, difficulty breathing (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Vision changes beyond expected temporary post-application blurring — seek urgent specialist review
If symptoms do not begin to improve within 48 hours of starting Xinoxy, return to your doctor for reassessment without delay.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine / Product | Possible Interaction |
|---|---|
| Other eye drops | Apply eye drops first — wait 5 to 10 minutes before applying Xinoxy ointment last |
| Systemic tetracyclines | Inform your doctor if taking oral tetracycline antibiotics simultaneously — combined tetracycline load should be considered |
| Soft contact lenses | Do not wear during treatment |
| Other topical antibiotics | Avoid combining multiple topical antibiotic products without explicit doctor guidance |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Do not refrigerate
- Keep tube tightly capped after every use
- Discard 4 weeks after first opening
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date on the tube or carton
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Xinoxy different from other antibiotic eye ointments like Polyfax or Cortisporin?
Xinoxy's key distinction is its Oxytetracycline component — a tetracycline antibiotic with activity against a broader range of organisms than many other topical antibiotics, including Chlamydia trachomatis, the cause of trachoma. Polyfax contains Polymyxin B paired with Bacitracin — effective for gram-positive and gram-negative coverage but without tetracycline activity. Cortisporin adds a corticosteroid (Hydrocortisone) for combined antibiotic-steroid treatment. Xinoxy is the appropriate choice when tetracycline-spectrum coverage is required without a steroid — as determined by your prescribing doctor based on your specific diagnosis.
Why must I complete the full course even when my eye looks better?
Symptom improvement — reduced redness, less discharge, less discomfort — occurs when the bacterial population has been significantly reduced but not yet fully eliminated. Stopping antibiotic treatment at this point leaves surviving bacteria in the eye that can regrow, cause a relapse of infection, and potentially develop resistance to Oxytetracycline or Polymyxin B. Completing the full prescribed course ensures the infection is fully cleared and reduces the risk of recurrence and antibiotic resistance development.
Can Xinoxy be used for trachoma?
Yes — Oxytetracycline has well-established clinical activity against Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacterium responsible for trachoma, and tetracycline eye ointments have historically been a standard treatment for this condition. However, trachoma treatment often requires systemic antibiotic therapy alongside topical treatment — particularly in active infection — and must be managed by a doctor. Never self-treat suspected trachoma without proper medical assessment and guidance.
Is Xinoxy safe for use in children?
Topical ophthalmic use of tetracycline-based ointments in children is generally considered lower risk than systemic tetracycline use, as absorption from eye ointment is minimal. However, systemic tetracyclines are avoided in children under 8 years due to effects on bone and tooth development. For any child requiring Xinoxy, always confirm suitability and correct dosing with your prescribing doctor rather than assuming topical use is automatically safe in young children.
Why should I apply Xinoxy ointment last when using multiple eye medications?
Ointments create a physical barrier on the eye surface that significantly slows the absorption of any subsequently applied drops. If eye drops are applied after the ointment, they sit on top of the ointment layer and cannot properly penetrate to the eye surface where they need to work. Always apply all eye drops first, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes, and apply Xinoxy ointment as the final step to ensure all medications are properly absorbed and effective.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Xinoxy is a prescription medication — always use under the supervision of a qualified doctor or eye specialist. If eye symptoms worsen or do not improve within 48 hours of starting treatment, consult your doctor immediately.
Prescription Required (Rx) | Complete Full Course | Discard 4 Weeks After Opening | Apply Ointment Last Among Multiple Eye Medications
