Xiidra Eye Drops: How They Work & What to Expect

Xiidra Eye Drops: How They Work & What to Expect

Prescribed Xiidra eye drops for dry eye? Here’s what they are, how they’re used, what the label lists for side effects, and how to fit them into your daily routine.

The short answer

Xiidra eye drops (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%) are a prescription drop for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. The labeled dose is one drop in each eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart, as directed by your eye doctor.

If your eye doctor prescribed Xiidra eye drops, you’re likely dealing with dry eye symptoms that keep coming back. Knowing what the drops are, how to use them and what to ask your doctor can make them easier to stick with.

What is Xiidra?

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%) is a prescription eye drop approved by the FDA in 2016 for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It comes in single-use containers and is only available with a prescription from your eye doctor.

How Xiidra works

Lifitegrast, the active ingredient in Xiidra, blocks a protein called LFA-1 from binding to another protein called ICAM-1. Both proteins are involved in inflammation.

Good to know: According to the Xiidra prescribing information, the exact way lifitegrast works in dry eye disease is not known. Your eye doctor can explain why it was chosen for you.

How to use Xiidra

Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions. The labeled directions are:

  1. Remove contact lenses first. You can put them back in 15 minutes after using Xiidra.
  2. Use a new single-use container. Put one drop in each eye.
  3. Keep the tip clean. Don’t let the tip of the container touch your eye or any surface.
  4. Repeat about 12 hours later. Xiidra is used twice a day, so a morning and evening routine works for most people.

Using other eye drops too? Ask your eye doctor or pharmacist how to time them with Xiidra.

What to expect

Xiidra is not an “as needed” drop. It’s meant to be used every day, twice a day, as prescribed. How quickly people notice a change varies, so ask your eye doctor what to expect and when to follow up. If you have questions about how it’s going, talk with your doctor before stopping.

Common side effects

The Xiidra prescribing information lists these as the most common side effects:

  • Eye irritation where the drop is applied
  • An unusual taste in the mouth (dysgeusia)
  • Blurred or reduced vision

If side effects bother you or don’t go away, contact your eye doctor. For the full list, see the prescribing information or ask your pharmacist.

Your daily dry eye routine

Many people use Xiidra alongside other daily habits their eye doctor recommends, like artificial tears and eyelid hygiene. If your doctor has recommended daily lid cleaning, an eyelid cleanser makes it easy to build into your morning and evening routine, right alongside your drops.

If your doctor also recommends artificial tears, ask which one fits your routine. Here are a few preservative-free options from our shop:

Preservative-free drops to ask your doctor about

Systane Complete PF lubricant eye drops Systane Complete PFPreservative-free lubricant eye dropsView drop OPTASE Intense preservative-free eye drops OPTASE IntensePreservative-free eye dropsView drop Refresh Celluvisc preservative-free lubricant eye gel Refresh CelluviscPreservative-free lubricant eye gelView drop OPTASE HYLO Night preservative-free eye ointment OPTASE HYLO NightPreservative-free bedtime eye ointmentView drop

See the full lineup in our eye drops collection.

Using drops every day? Read How Often Can You Use Eye Drops? What Eye Doctors Say.

Make lid care part of your routine

Our gentle, tea tree eyelid cleanser fits right into your morning and evening routine.

Shop the eyelid cleanser Browse eyelid hygiene

Xiidra eye drops FAQs

What are Xiidra eye drops?

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%) is a prescription eye drop for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It is only available with a prescription from your eye doctor.

Is Xiidra the same as artificial tears?

No. Artificial tears are available over the counter. Xiidra is a prescription drop with a different active ingredient, lifitegrast. Your eye doctor can tell you whether to use both.

How often do you use Xiidra?

The labeled dose is one drop in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart, using a new single-use container each time. Follow your eye doctor’s instructions.

Can I use Xiidra with contact lenses?

Take your contact lenses out before using Xiidra. According to the label, you can put them back in 15 minutes after the drops.

What are the most common side effects of Xiidra?

The prescribing information lists eye irritation where the drop is applied, an unusual taste in the mouth and blurred or reduced vision as the most common side effects. Contact your eye doctor if side effects bother you.

Can I stop using Xiidra once my eyes feel better?

Talk with your eye doctor before stopping or changing how you use any prescription drop.

For general education only and not medical advice. Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions and the product labeling. Xiidra is a trademark of its respective owner; mentions are examples, not endorsements. Source: Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% Prescribing Information.

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