Does Xiidra have preservatives in it?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Aug 22, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic) does not contain preservatives. Xiidra is packaged for one-time use in individual doses, eliminating the need for preservatives. However, many other eye drops sold in multi-dose packaging must contain preservatives to prevent bacteria from contaminating the solution once opened.

Frequent and prolonged use of eye drops that contain preservatives can cause eye allergies and irritation. Single-dose, preservative-free options, such as Xiidra, can benefit patients who require a long-term solution for dry eyes.

You will need a prescription from a doctor to use Xiidra. To take Xiidra, you will deliver one drop to each eye twice daily unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Preservative-free, prescription eye drops such as Xiidra may be more expensive than over-the-counter options that contain preservatives.

References

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 23, 2021].
Pucker AD, Ng SM, Nichols JJ. Over the counter (OTC) artificial tear drops for dry eye syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2:CD009729. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009729.pub2.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). How to Treat Dry Eyes. Last reviewed July 22, 2021. Available at: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/dry-eyes.html. [Accessed August 23, 2021].
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 23, 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.

Does Xiidra have preservatives in it?

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