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How Long Does Xiidra Stay in Your System?

Key Takeaways

  • Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) has minimal systemic absorption, meaning it generally clears from the body within hours, not days.
  • Although Xiidra does not stay in your bloodstream long, its anti-inflammatory effects on the ocular surface may take several weeks to improve symptoms of dry eye disease.
  • Because Xiidra remains mostly in the eye, the likelihood of widespread or long-term side effects is low, though eye irritation, blurred vision, itchiness, or dysgeusia (unusual taste) may occur.
  • Xiidra is a prescription eye drop used twice daily for chronic dry eye, treating inflammation by blocking LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1), unlike artificial tears or other over-the-counter lubricants.
  • Discuss any concerns, including breastfeeding, other prescription drugs, or additional dry eye treatment options, with a healthcare professional or eye doctor.

What Is Xiidra?

Xiidra is an FDA-approved, brand-name ophthalmic medication used to treat dry eye disease, also known as dry eye syndrome. Its active ingredient, lifitegrast, is an anti-inflammatory compound that works differently from Restasis (cyclosporine), Cequa, or traditional artificial tears.

Xiidra is designed to improve:

  • Eye dryness
  • Production of better quality natural tears
  • Burning or stinging
  • Blurry vision
  • Redness and irritation

Because dry eye is usually chronic, long-term treatment is often necessary and can include other medications, supplements, or additional eye care techniques.

How Long Does Xiidra Stay in Your System?

When you use Xiidra eye drops, the majority of the medication stays on the ocular surface, the cornea, and the surrounding tissues. Only a very small amount enters the bloodstream.

Clinical research shows that:

  • Systemic absorption of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution is extremely low.
  • The small amount that is absorbed is eliminated within a few hours.
  • There is no long-term accumulation in the body.
  • Xiidra does not remain in your system for days or weeks.

This rapid clearance is one reason Xiidra has fewer systemic adverse effects than many oral prescription drugs.

Why Xiidra leaves the body so quickly

  • It is applied locally to the eye.
  • The tear film rapidly washes away excess medication.
  • The metabolism of lifitegrast occurs quickly.
  • The drug does not circulate in high amounts through the bloodstream.

In short, Xiidra works where you need it, the eyes, but does not linger throughout the body.

If Xiidra Leaves the Body Quickly, Why Does Symptom Relief Take Weeks?

Even though Xiidra is cleared rapidly, inflammation takes time to resolve. Dry eye disease involves:

  • T-cell activation.
  • Inflammatory cytokines.
  • Tear film disruption.
  • Damage to the ocular surface.

Xiidra interrupts this cycle by blocking LFA-1, preventing inflammatory cells from binding to receptors on the cornea and conjunctiva.

While the medication exits quickly, its anti-inflammatory effects build gradually. Most patients notice improvement in eye dryness, irritation, burning, and blurred vision within 2–6 weeks. However, some symptoms require up to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of your condition.

How Xiidra Works and Why That Influences Its Duration

Xiidra targets inflammation and reduces symptoms by:

  • Blocking LFA-1 receptors.
  • Reducing T-cell activation.
  • Calming inflammatory pathways.
  • Restoring the tear film.

And by reducing inflammation, Xiidra can help your eyes produce their own tears more effectively. However, for it to be effective, continuous twice-daily use is necessary.

Side Effects: How Long Do They Last?

Common side effects of Xiidra

Many patients experience mild and temporary symptoms such as:

  • Eye irritation
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Dysgeusia (tasting something strange after use)
  • Mild redness
  • Burning sensation

These side effects usually occur shortly after using Xiidra and go away as the drug is cleared from the ocular surface.

Possible side effects (less common)

  • Increased dryness
  • Headache
  • Eyelid discomfort
  • A feeling of grit or itchiness

Serious side effects (rare)

  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Sudden vision changes

Because Xiidra does not stay in the bloodstream long, severe systemic reactions are extremely uncommon.

Does Xiidra Stay Longer in People With Severe Dry Eye?

Not significantly. However, people with severe dry eye may:

  • Feel irritation longer after applying the drops
  • Need more time to notice improvement
  • Have a more unstable tear film that affects how long Xiidra stays on the eye

This does not mean Xiidra remains in the system longer. It simply reflects the underlying disease process.

What About Contact Lenses?

If you wear contact lenses:

  • Remove them before using Xiidra.
  • Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
  • Irritation or blurred vision may take longer to clear in some users.

Contact lenses do not affect how long Xiidra stays in your system, but they may affect your comfort level.

Xiidra and Breastfeeding

There is limited information about Xiidra and breastfeeding, but because systemic absorption is low, the risk is likely small. Still, always get medical advice from a healthcare professional.

How Long Until Xiidra Is Fully Gone?

The time it takes for Xiidra to be cleared from your body will vary from person to person. In general, it will take a couple of hours to be cleared from your eye(s) through tear drainage. Only a small amount of the drug actually enters your bloodstream. In clinical studies, the majority of patients had lifitegrast concentrations in their blood that were below the limit of detection.

FAQs

Is Xiidra still working even after it’s out of my bloodstream?
Yes. Inflammation reduction continues even though the drug itself clears quickly.

Does Xiidra stay in your system longer if you have chronic dry eye?
No, systemic clearance remains fast, but symptoms may take longer to improve.

Can I use artificial tears with Xiidra?
Yes, they can be used between doses for lubrication and comfort.

Does Restasis stay in the system longer than Xiidra?
Both have low systemic absorption, but they work differently. Restasis affects tear production; Xiidra reduces inflammation.

Does Xiidra cause hair loss? No, it’s not likely. Hair loss was not reported as a side effect in clinical studies of Xiidra.

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