Can Xiidra eye drops cause diarrhea?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Aug 26, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic) will not cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is not listed as a potential side effect of using Xiidra, and there is no indication that proper administration of Xiidra in the eyes is associated with diarrhea.

Xiidra is a prescription ophthalmic solution, meaning it should be applied directly to your eyes. It is not intended to be swallowed. Oral ingestion of Xiidra may be harmful.

Xiidra contains lifitegrast. Over-the-counter eye drops containing a different compound, tetrahydrozoline, are well-known to be poisonous when swallowed, including Eye-Sine, Visine Original, Visine Advanced Relief and Opti-Clear. There is a common belief that consuming these eye drop solutions will cause diarrhea. While ingesting eye drops could result in diarrhea, it is not the primary or most common outcome. Swallowing eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline is harmful and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms of tetrahydrozoline poisoning include:

Blood pressure changes
Nausea
Vomiting
Seizures
Coma
Difficulty breathing

Xiidra does not contain tetrahydrozoline, but is still considered potentially harmful when swallowed.

References

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). XIIDRA (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%, for topical ophthalmic use. June 2016. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/208073s000lbl.pdf. [Accessed August 24, 2021].
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Deputy Division Director Review: Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%. October 5, 2015. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2016/208073Orig1s000SumR.pdf. [Accessed August 24, 2021].
Shire. Safety Data Sheet: Xiidra. August 10, 2016. Available at: https://imgcdn.mckesson.com/CumulusWeb/Click_and_learn/SDS_9SHIRE_XIIDRA_DRPS_OPHTH_5_2ML_60_BX.pdf. [Accessed August 24, 2021].
Australian Department of Health. Australian Public Assessment Report for Lifitegrast. November 2019. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-lifitegrast-191107.pdf. [Accessed August 24, 2021].
U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus. Tetrahydrozoline poisoning. January 1, 2021. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002590.htm. [Accessed August 24, 2021].
National Capital Poison Center. Swallowing Eye Drops is Dangerous. Available at: https://www.poison.org/articles/swallowing-eye-drops-is-dangerous. [Accessed August 24, 2021].

What are the best eye drops for dry eyes? A pharmacist explains.

Dry eyes are a common condition that can cause symptoms like stinging, burning, itching, redness, and a gritty sensation. These symptoms occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Choosing the right eye drops depends on how severe your symptoms are, the underlying cause of your dry eye, and your individual needs.

Xiidra vs. Restasis: Which is better for dry eye?

Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Restasis (cyclosporine) are prescription eye drops used to treat dry eye disease, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Continue reading

Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Which medications help?

Yes, dry eyes can cause blurry or fluctuating vision. This occurs because dry eye syndrome disrupts the tear film that coats the eye’s surface, leading to uneven light refraction and irregularities on the corneal surface. Meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oily layer of the tear film, is a major contributor to this problem.

Can Xiidra eye drops cause diarrhea?

Read next

What are the best eye drops for dry eyes? A pharmacist explains.

Xiidra vs. Restasis: Which is better for dry eye?

Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Which medications help?

See also:

Aimovig

Botox

Ozempic

Nurtec ODT

Emgality

Inderal

Ajovy

Vyepti

Botox Cosmetic

Fremanezumab

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups