Lifitegrast Eye Drops: Overview, Uses, and Benefits
Lifitegrast (brand name: Xiidra) is a prescription eye drop used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). It is the first FDA-approved treatment in its class and works by targeting inflammation, which is a key cause of dry eye.
🔍 What Is Lifitegrast?
- Generic Name: Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%
- Brand Name: Xiidra
- Type: LFA-1 antagonist (lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1)
- FDA Approval: 2016 (for dry eye disease)
💧 Uses of Lifitegrast Eye Drops
- Treats dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
- Reduces eye inflammation and irritation
- Relieves grittiness, burning, and blurred vision caused by dryness
- Improves tear film stability
🕒 How to Use
- Dosage: One drop in each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart
- Application: Wash hands, tilt head back, apply drop, and avoid touching the bottle tip to any surface
✅ Benefits
- Clinically proven to reduce symptoms in as little as 2 weeks
- Targets inflammation, not just surface dryness
- Safe for long-term use under doctor supervision
⚠️ Side Effects
Most common:
- Eye irritation or burning after use
- Unusual taste in the mouth (dysgeusia)
- Reduced visual clarity temporarily
Rare but serious:
- Allergic reactions (itching, swelling, or redness)
- Eye discharge or increased tearing
📦 Storage & Handling
- Store at room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F)
- Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use
- Use within the expiration date printed on the packaging
🌐 Availability
- Prescription-only medication
- Sold under the brand name Xiidra
- Available in single-use vials or multi-dose bottles (in some countries)
Website : Jyotilifecar
