{"id":3524,"date":"2018-12-11T15:19:15","date_gmt":"2018-12-11T20:19:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3524"},"modified":"2025-10-17T18:32:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T22:32:07","slug":"xiidra-vs-restasis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/xiidra-vs-restasis\/","title":{"rendered":"Xiidra vs. Restasis: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Xiidra<\/span><\/a> (lifitegrast) and <\/span>Restasis<\/span><\/a> (cyclosporine) are brand-name medications for dry eye disease. People with dry eye disease often don\u2019t make enough tears to keep their eyes lubricated, which can cause eye discomfort, burning, and trouble focusing when reading or using a computer. Xiidra and Restasis are eye drop medications used in both eyes daily to help relieve dryness and reduce irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between Xiidra and Restasis<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nXiidra<\/b><\/td>\nRestasis<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nLymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) antagonist<\/span><\/td>\nCalcineurin inhibitor<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand name only<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic versions available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nLifitegrast<\/span><\/td>\nCyclosporine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOphthalmic solution<\/span><\/td>\nOphthalmic emulsion<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nOne drop in each eye twice daily or every 12 hours<\/span><\/td>\nOne drop in each eye twice daily or every 12 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nThis medication is used as a long-term treatment<\/span><\/td>\nThis medication is used as a long-term treatment<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and adolescents aged 17 years and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and adolescents aged 16 years and older<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What are Xiidra and Restasis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Xiidra<\/span><\/h3>\n

Xiidra<\/span><\/a> is a newer prescription eye drop approved by the FDA in 2016. It belongs to a class of drugs called LFA-1 antagonists, which reduce inflammation by blocking certain protein interactions in the eyes. This helps improve <\/span>tear production<\/span><\/a> and relieve dryness. Xiidra is supplied as single-use, preservative-free vials.<\/span><\/p>\n

Restasis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Restasis<\/span><\/a> has been on the market since 1983 and remains a leading treatment for dry eye disease. It works as a calcineurin inhibitor, reducing inflammation on the eye\u2019s surface and allowing the tear\u2011producing glands to work better. Restasis is supplied as preservative-free, single-use vials or a multidose bottle. While single-use vials are available in a generic version, the <\/span>multidose bottle<\/span><\/a> is brand-name only.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conditions treated by Xiidra and Restasis<\/span><\/h2>\n

Xiidra and Restasis are approved to treat dry eye disease, otherwise known as <\/span>dry eye syndrome<\/span><\/a>. Dry eye disease may be associated with other eye conditions, such as blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, caused by allergies or other problems. These medications help increase tear production and reduce inflammation on the ocular surface.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to dryness, Xiidra and Restasis can help treat other symptoms of dry eye disease, including eye redness, eye fatigue, blurry vision, and itchiness. Some doctors may recommend additional treatments while using Xiidra or Restasis, such as warm compresses to soothe the eye.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Xiidra or Restasis more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are limited randomized controlled trials comparing Xiidra and Restasis. But individual clinical studies show both are effective:<\/span><\/p>\n