Xiidra

Xiidra is the brand name for lifitegrast ophthalmic solution, 5%, a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2016 for adults. Lifitegrast is a small-molecule integrin antagonist that targets LFA-1 on T cells, inhibiting its interaction with ICAM-1 and reducing T-cell–mediated inflammation on the ocular surface.

It is intended for use as one drop in each affected eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Patients should avoid contact between the dropper and the eye or other surfaces to reduce contamination. If wearing contact lenses, remove them before instillation and reinsert after at least 15 minutes. Xiidra is not recommended for use in patients with active ocular infection and safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.

Common adverse effects include instillation site irritation, dysgeusia (a bad taste), conjunctival hyperemia, and blurred vision. Less frequent but more serious risks include keratitis, conjunctival infections, and hypersensitivity reactions. Because of possible blurred vision after dosing, patients may want to avoid driving or operating machinery until vision clears.

Storage: Typically stored at room temperature; follow packaging and physician instructions.