Lifitegrast (Xiidra) is a novel medicine that is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). It acts by inhibiting the inflammatory process by inhibiting T-cell mediated inflammation.

Lifitegrast Uses:

• Dry eye disease:

  • It is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).

Lifitegrast (Xiidra) Dose in Adults:

Lifitegrast (Xiidra) Dose in the treatment of Dry eye disease:

• Ophthalmic: Instill one drop into each eye twice daily.

Lifitegrast (Xiidra) Dose in Childrens:

Lifitegrast (Xiidra) Dose in the treatment of Dry eye disease (DED):

• Adolescents 17 years of age or older:

  • Ophthalmic: Instill one drop into each eye twice daily.

Lifitegrast Pregnancy Risk Category: N

• Low systemic absorption is possible after ophthalmic usage. 
• To reduce potential exposure to the foetus, it is best to use the lowest possible dose during pregnancy.

Lifitegrast use during breastfeeding:

• It is unknown whether the drug will be excreted into breastmilk. Systemic exposure to the drug is unlikely due to low absorption after ophthalmic usage.
• Manufacturer suggests weighing the benefits and risks of drug therapy for the mother-to-be with the potential harms to the infant's health.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.

Dose in Liver disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.

Common Side Effects of Lifitegrast (Xiidra):

• Gastrointestinal:

  • Dysgeusia

• Local:

  • Application site irritation

• Ophthalmic:

  • Decreased visual acuity

Less Common Side Effects of Xiidra:

• Central nervous system:

  • Headache

• Ophthalmic:

  • Blurred vision
  • Conjunctival hyperemia
  • Eye discharge
  • Eye discomfort
  • Eye irritation
  • Eye pruritus
  • Increased lacrimation

• Respiratory:

  • Sinusitis

Contraindications to Lifitegrast (Xiidra):

Allergic reactions to lifitegrast or any component of the formulation.

Monitoring Parameters:

None mentioned.

How to administer Xiidra?

• It is indicated only for topical ophthalmic use.
• Before instilling the eye drops, remove contact lenses and wait for at least 15 minutes before re-inserting them.
• Do not touch the dropper tip with the eyes, surrounding area, or any surface so as to avoid contamination.
• After administration, discard the single-use container and any unused solution.

Mechanism of action of Lifitegrast (Xiidra):

By binding to the Integrin lymphocyte function-associated Antigen-1 (LFA-1), it blocks LFA-1's interaction with its cognate ligand, intercellular adhesionmolecule-1 (ICAM-1).

International Brand Names of Lifitegrast:

• Xiidra

Brand Names in Pakistan:

No Brands Available in Pakistan.