Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsXiidra vs. RestasisHow to UsePros and ConsInteractionsSide Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Xiidra vs. Restasis
How to Use
Pros and Cons
Interactions
Side Effects
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Xiidra vs. Restasis: What Are They?
Xiidra is a brand-name prescription eye drop medication containing lifitegrast, which is used to treat dry eyes. It targets the underlying cause ofdry eye symptoms: swelling in the eye tissues or inflammation. By preventing inflammation, Xiidra reduces eye discomfort, dryness, and redness.
How Do They Work?
Xiidra and Restasis work differently to address the underlying causes of dry eye.
Xiidra blocks the interaction between two proteins, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and another intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). This interaction plays a crucial role in the inflammation that leads to dry eye symptoms. Blocking this interaction helps lessen inflammation and alleviate the discomfort associated withdry eye disease.
Cyclosporine reduces inflammation in the tear-producing glands when used as an eye drop. This helps increase the production of tears, which, in turn, helps alleviate dry eye symptoms.
The recommended dosing instructions for Xiidraand Restasiscall for one drop into each eye twice daily. The drops should be used about 12 hours apart.
Use the following tips for administering either medication:
Both Xiidra and Restasis are available in single-use containers.One container should have enough solution for one drop in both eyes. Any remaining solution should be disposed of immediately.
How Quickly Do They Work?
Xiidra and Restasis have varying timelines for how long they take to work.
While both medications are effective and have identical dosing schedules, Restasis works gradually. It may take several months to observe significant improvements in symptoms.
Most people need to use Restasis consistently over several months to experience the full benefits. While this gradual improvement can be effective for the long-term management of chronic dry eye, the delay in symptom relief may be a deal breaker for those needing immediate results.
Xiidra, conversely, has a relatively rapid onset of action and generally provides quicker symptom relief. You may notice an improvement in symptoms within two weeks of starting treatment. This faster relief can be especially beneficial for those experiencing disrupting symptoms of discomfort.
Consulting with a health professional is the best and safest way to determine the most optimal treatment and to obtain a valid prescription.
Which Eye Drop Should I Use to Treat Dry Eye?
Deciding which eye drop to use for dry eye depends on various factors, such as:
Xiidra and Restasis work through different pathways to reduce inflammation.Some patients may respond better to one medication than the other based on the drug’s reasons for use, the type of inflammation they experience, and the underlying cause of dry eye.
If quick relief from dry eye symptoms is at the top of the list, Xiidra might be the better option. Many people feel better within a couple of weeks after using Xiidra. Restasis, on the other hand, is effective, but it usually takes much longer to notice benefits. Restasis may be the better choice if you are focused on long-term treatment, especially for chronic dry eye and those willing to wait longer for results.
It is important to note that while both medications are effective, individual responses can vary.
There have yet to be any clinical studies comparing the efficacy of Restasis and Xiidra.However, research suggests that both medications effectively treat dry eye.
Xiidra and Restasis are two of the most commonly prescribed medications for dry eye disease.Both are effective treatment options for the condition, and each medication has advantages and potential disadvantages.
Evaluating the pros and cons of both medications can aid in selecting the most appropriate medication to manage and alleviate the symptoms of dry eye disease.
Pros of Xiidra
Some advantages of Xiddra are:
Pros of Restasis
Some advantages of Restasis are:
Cons of Xiidra
Some of the disadvantages of Xiidra are:
Cons of Restasis
Some of the disadvantages of Restasis are:
Interactions: Is it Safe to Use Both Xiidra and Restasis?
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that using both Xiidra and Restasis together is safe, and therefore, this combination should be avoided.Research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of using both eye drops together.
Xiidra and Restasis can be used with other eye drops or products, includingartificial tears, as long as 15 minutes pass between administrations.
Always follow the guidance and recommendations of your healthcare provider.
Common side effectsof Xiidrainclude:
Common side effectsof Restasisinclude:
Both Xiidra and Restasis can effectively treat dry eye disease, but have different side effects.
Both medications can cause eye irritation and temporary vision changes. Still, Xiidra is more likely to cause an unusual taste sensation that is usually temporary but may not be tolerable for some.
Restasis drops are associated with a burning sensation and may lead to eye redness over a more extended period of time.
Consider your tolerance for these side effects when choosing a treatment.
Summary
Xiidra and Restasis are prescription eye drops commonly used to treat dry eye. Both medications aim to reduce inflammation and minimize symptoms and discomfort associated with dry eye. They are usually well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Deciding which eye drop to use for dry eye depends on various factors, including your needs and preferences.For many, the most prominent factor in determining which eye drop is best is how quickly relief is needed.
For best results, both eye drops should be used consistently as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eye Institute.Dry eye.Li JX, Tsai YY, Lai CT, et al.Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5% is a safe and efficient eyedrop for dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Med. 2022;11(17):5014. doi: 10.3390/jcm11175014.Hovanesian JA, Nichols KK, Jackson M, et al.Real-world experience with Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution (Xiidra®) in the US and Canada: retrospective study of patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical effectiveness in 600 patients with dry eye disease. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021;15:1041-1054. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S296510.Prescription Drug Reference.Xiidra.Prescription Drug Reference.Restasis.MedlinePlus.Lifitegrast ophthalmic.Medline Plus.Cyclosporine ophthalmic.Periman LM, Mah FS, Karpecki PM.A review of the mechanism of action of cyclosporine a: the role of cyclosporine a in dry eye disease and recent formulation developments.Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:4187-4200. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S279051.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eye Institute.Dry eye.Li JX, Tsai YY, Lai CT, et al.Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5% is a safe and efficient eyedrop for dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Med. 2022;11(17):5014. doi: 10.3390/jcm11175014.Hovanesian JA, Nichols KK, Jackson M, et al.Real-world experience with Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution (Xiidra®) in the US and Canada: retrospective study of patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical effectiveness in 600 patients with dry eye disease. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021;15:1041-1054. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S296510.Prescription Drug Reference.Xiidra.Prescription Drug Reference.Restasis.MedlinePlus.Lifitegrast ophthalmic.Medline Plus.Cyclosporine ophthalmic.Periman LM, Mah FS, Karpecki PM.A review of the mechanism of action of cyclosporine a: the role of cyclosporine a in dry eye disease and recent formulation developments.Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:4187-4200. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S279051.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Eye Institute.Dry eye.Li JX, Tsai YY, Lai CT, et al.Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5% is a safe and efficient eyedrop for dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Med. 2022;11(17):5014. doi: 10.3390/jcm11175014.Hovanesian JA, Nichols KK, Jackson M, et al.Real-world experience with Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution (Xiidra®) in the US and Canada: retrospective study of patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical effectiveness in 600 patients with dry eye disease. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021;15:1041-1054. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S296510.Prescription Drug Reference.Xiidra.Prescription Drug Reference.Restasis.MedlinePlus.Lifitegrast ophthalmic.Medline Plus.Cyclosporine ophthalmic.Periman LM, Mah FS, Karpecki PM.A review of the mechanism of action of cyclosporine a: the role of cyclosporine a in dry eye disease and recent formulation developments.Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:4187-4200. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S279051.
National Eye Institute.Dry eye.
Li JX, Tsai YY, Lai CT, et al.Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5% is a safe and efficient eyedrop for dry eye disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.J Clin Med. 2022;11(17):5014. doi: 10.3390/jcm11175014.
Hovanesian JA, Nichols KK, Jackson M, et al.Real-world experience with Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution (Xiidra®) in the US and Canada: retrospective study of patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical effectiveness in 600 patients with dry eye disease. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021;15:1041-1054. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S296510.
Prescription Drug Reference.Xiidra.
Prescription Drug Reference.Restasis.
MedlinePlus.Lifitegrast ophthalmic.
Medline Plus.Cyclosporine ophthalmic.
Periman LM, Mah FS, Karpecki PM.A review of the mechanism of action of cyclosporine a: the role of cyclosporine a in dry eye disease and recent formulation developments.Clin Ophthalmol. 2020;14:4187-4200. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S279051.
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