Xiidra (lifitegrast) is a prescription drug used to treat dry eye disease in people ages 17 years and older. Xiidra comes as liquid eye drops in single-use vials. It’s usually used twice per day in each eye.
Xiidra belongs to a group of drugs called integrin blockers. It contains the active ingredient lifitegrast. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
This article describes the usual dosage of Xiidra, as well as its strength and how to use it. To learn more about Xiidra, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosage of Xiidra.
What is Xiidra’s form?
Xiidra comes as liquid eye drops in a single-use vial. (Each vial contains enough liquid to treat both eyes and the vial should be disposed of following a single dose.)
What strength does Xiidra come in?
Xiidra comes as a 5% liquid solution. This means that for each milliliter (mL) of solution, there are 5 milligrams (mg) of the active drug lifitegrast.
What is the usual dosage of Xiidra?
The information below describes the dosage that is commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for dry eye disease
Apply one drop of Xiidra into each eye twice per day, about 12 hours apart.
Is Xiidra used long term?
Yes, Xiidra is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
Xiidra is a liquid eye drop solution that comes in single-use vials. You’ll administer the drug as follows:
- Wash your hands before using Xiidra to help prevent eye infections.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Xiidra to your eyes.
- Twist off the tab on the single-use container.
- Tilt your head back or lie down.
- Pull your lower lid down and look up.
- Gently squeeze the container and allow one drop to fall into your eye. Repeat for the other eye.
- Throw away the container after using it in each eye.
- If you wear contact lenses, wait 15 minutes before reinserting them.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Xiidra, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you miss a dose of Xiidra, try to apply your dose of drops as soon as you remember. But if you’re close to your next scheduled dose, just skip the missed dose entirely. Apply the next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Make sure to wait approximately 12 hours in between each dose.
If you’re unsure when to use Xiidra again after missing a dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
With eye drops, you may not always get the liquid solution to fall directly into your eye. If a drop misses your eye, the single-use container contains extra solution. You can try again without having to open a new single-use container.
If you need help remembering to apply your dose of Xiidra on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not use more Xiidra than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you use too much Xiidra
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Xiidra. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Xiidra’s dosage.
Can I wear contact lenses while using Xiidra?
Yes, you may wear contact lenses during Xiidra treatment. But you must remove the lenses before applying the medication into your eyes. You can reinsert your contact lenses 15 minutes after applying Xiidra drops.
Sometimes contact lens use causes dry eyes. Talk with your doctor or ophthalmologist about the effect of contact lenses on your dry eye disease.
How do the dosages of Xiidra and Restasis compare?
Both Xiidra and Restasis are prescribed to treat dry eye disease. The dosage for each is one drop in each eye twice per day (about 12 hours apart).
For more information about the similarities and differences between these two drugs, check out this article.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the manufacturer of Xiidra. If your doctor recommends this drug for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
You should not change your dosage of Xiidra without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Xiidra exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Below are some examples of questions you may want to ask them:
- How will my dosage of Xiidra change if I am scheduled for eye surgery?
- If Xiidra is causing irritation in my eyes, can I use it only once per day?
- If Xiidra isn’t working for me, can I use two drops in each eye twice daily?
To learn more about Xiidra, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
