Xiidra dosage

The information below describes Xiidra’s typical dosage and other details about the drug.

Xiidra form

Xiidra comes as a preservative-free solution that you use as an eye drop. Each single-dose container has 0.2 milliliters (mL) of solution.

Xiidra strength

Xiidra comes in one strength of 50 milligrams per mL (mg/mL) (a 5% solution).

Typical dosages

The following information describes the Xiidra dosage that’s commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for dry eye

Doctors may prescribe Xiidra to treat dry eye disease.

The typical dosage is one drop of Xiidra (5% solution) in each eye twice per day. You should space your doses about 12 hours apart.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Xiidra may be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Xiidra is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.

Before you start taking Xiidra, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Xiidra comes as an eye drop solution. Before using Xiidra, wash your hands. You’ll open one single-dose container and place one drop into each eye. Discard any remaining solution. Do not save the container for future use. When it’s time for your next dose, you’ll open a new container.

Xiidra doses are spaced about 12 hours apart. It may be helpful to use Xiidra around the same times each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Xiidra can work effectively.

If you have questions about how to use Xiidra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to these step-by-step instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

Note: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Xiidra. You can put the lenses back into your eyes 15 minutes after you use Xiidra.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you miss a dose of Xiidra, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re unsure whether to take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Xiidra and dosage.

Is the dosage of Xiidra similar to the dosage of Restasis?

Yes, the dosage of Xiidra is similar to the dosage of Restasis. Both medications are eye drops that you take twice per day.

The dose in milligrams (mg) for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Xiidra contains lifitegrast, and Restasis contains cyclosporine.

Your doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that’s right for you. To learn more about how these drugs compare, see this article or talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Xiidra to start working?

Xiidra starts to work after your first dose but you may not feel it working. With regular use, your symptoms may continue to ease over the first 2–4 weeks of treatment. In clinical trials, people noted an improvement in their dry eye symptoms at days 42 and 84 of taking Xiidra.*

Your doctor will follow up to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition. It may be helpful to keep a journal of your symptoms.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Xiidra treatment.

* Compared to a placebo, which doesn’t contain an active drug.

The dosage in this article is the typical dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Xiidra for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, do not change your dosage of Xiidra without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Xiidra that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want more information about Xiidra. These additional articles might be helpful:

• More about Xiidra. For information about other aspects of Xiidra, refer to this article.
• Side effects. To learn about side effects of Xiidra, see this article. You can also look at the Xiidra prescribing information.
• Drug comparison. To find out how Xiidra compares with Restasis, read this article.
• Cost. If you’d like to learn about Xiidra and cost, see this article.
• Details about your condition. For details about your condition, see our eye health hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.