Key takeaways

  • Xiidra is a prescription drug used to treat dry eye disease in people ages 17 years and older. Its recommended dosage is one drop in each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
  • The medication comes as a liquid solution in single-use vials. People who wear contact lenses should remove their lenses before applying Xiidra. They can reinsert them 15 minutes after applying Xiidra eye drops.
  • Xiidra is usually used as a long-term treatment for dry eye disease.

Xiidra contains the active ingredient lifitegrast. It comes as eye drops.

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 Xiidra article. You can also review Xiidra’s prescribing information.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for Xiidra. But be sure to apply the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown here.

Xiidra’s form

Xiidra comes as liquid eye drops in a single-use vial. (Each vial contains enough liquid to treat both eyes. You should dispose of the vial after applying a dose.)

Xiidra’s strength

Xiidra comes as a 5% liquid solution. This means that each milliliter (mL) of solution contains 50 milligrams (mg) of the active drug lifitegrast.

The information here 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.

Apply one drop of Xiidra into each eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart.

Xiidra is a liquid eye drop solution that comes in single-use vials. You’ll administer the drug as follows:

  1. Wash your hands before using Xiidra to help prevent eye infection.
  2. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Xiidra to your eyes.
  3. Twist off the tab on the single-use container.
  4. Tilt your head back or lie down.
  5. Pull your lower lid down and look up.
  6. Gently squeeze the container and allow one drop to fall into your eye. Repeat this for the other eye.
  7. Throw away the container after applying a dose to both eyes.
  8. If you wear contact lenses, wait 15 minutes before reinserting them.

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 has extra solution. So you can try applying your dose again without having to open a new single-use container.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of this medication, see this Xiidra article.

How long do you use Xiidra?

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.

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, skip the missed dose entirely. Then, 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.

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.

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.

How many vials are in a 90-day supply of Xiidra?

A 90-day supply of Xiidra contains 180 single-use vials.

You’ll use one single-use vial to apply a dose of Xiidra to both of your eyes. The usual dosage is one drop into each eye twice daily. So you’ll use two single-use vials daily.

What is Xiidra’s bottle size? How many days does it last?

Xiidra comes in single-use vials, not bottles. A vial contains enough Xiidra for applying one dose to both eyes.

The usual dosage of Xiidra is one drop into each eye twice daily. This means you’ll use two single-use vials daily.

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. After applying your dose of Xiidra, you can reinsert your contact lenses 15 minutes later.

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 daily (about 12 hours apart).

For more information about the similarities and differences between these two drugs, check out this Xiidra vs. Restasis article.

This article describes 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. Use Xiidra exactly as prescribed.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Some examples of questions you may want to ask them are:

  • 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.