Lifitegrast
XIIDRA
Pronunciation: lif-i-TEG-rast (ZYE-dra)
What it isLFA-1 antagonist blocking T-cell mediated inflammation; dry eye disease.
Why this oneIt targets the inflammation rather than only lubricating, and it works faster than cyclosporine drops.
What limits itAn intense unpleasant taste immediately after instillation is the usual reason for stopping.
FDA-approved for
- dry eye disease (2016)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry eye disease | Adults | 1 drop in each eye BID (~12h apart) | 1 drop each eye BID | 1 drop each eye BID |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Instill one drop into each eye twice daily (~12 hours apart) using a single-use container; discard immediately after using in each eye.
- Remove contact lenses before administration; may reinsert 15 minutes afterward.
Available strengths
- drops 5 %
- sol 50 mg/mL
Cautions
- Hypersensitivity reactions incl. anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, respiratory distress, angioedema (postmarketing)
Adverse reactions
- Instillation-site irritation
- Dysgeusia (altered taste)
- Reduced/blurred visual acuity
- Eye irritation/discomfort, conjunctival hyperemia, increased lacrimation, headache
Pregnancy No human data; low systemic exposure after ocular use; animal omphalocele at high IV doses of unclear relevance.
Lactation No data on presence in human milk; systemic exposure from ocular use is low.
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 % | drops | per unit | not offered |
Generic entry2023
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskDysgeusia immediately after instillation
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryNot assigned — PLLR-era drug
Defining liabilityLocal irritation, sensitization or administration-site injury; negligible systemic toxicity at usual use.