Comparing Xiidra and Restasis: Key Similarities and Distinctions
In the realm of eye care, two brand-name medications stand out as approved treatments for dry eye disease: Xiidra and Restasis. While both are ophthalmic solutions (eye drops), they differ in their active ingredients, forms, and side effects, particularly when it comes to usage in children.
Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Action
Xiidra's active ingredient is lifitegrast, a molecule that blocks different immune pathways involved in dry eye inflammation. On the other hand, Restasis contains cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant that reduces inflammation and restores natural tear production by targeting a specific immune pathway.
Forms and Administration
Both Xiidra and Restasis are administered as ophthalmic solutions (eye drops). Xiidra comes in a single-use container, while Restasis is available in two forms: a single-use vial and a multidose bottle.
Side Effects
Xiidra's most common side effect is instillation site pain, reported in about 50% of patients, with less than 1% discontinuing treatment due to burning or stinging sensations. Restasis can cause eye discomfort, burning, or stinging after application, typical for immunomodulatory eye drops, but detailed side effect frequencies are less specified in the sources.
Notably, Xiidra may cause headaches and sinus infections, while Restasis is not known to cause these side effects. Additionally, changes in taste have been reported with Xiidra, a side effect not associated with Restasis.
Usage in Children
Xiidra is approved for treating dry eye disease in adults and children aged 17 years and older. There is no specific mention or clear approval for Restasis use in children in the sources provided, suggesting it is primarily used in adults.
In summary, while both Xiidra and Restasis are effective treatments for dry eye disease, they differ in their active ingredients, forms, and side effects, particularly in their usage in children. It's always essential to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised treatment recommendations.
[1] FDA (2006). FDA approves Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% for the treatment of chronic dry eye disease. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-restasis-cyclosporine-ophthalmic-emulsion-005-treatment-chronic-dry-eye-disease
[2] FDA (2016). FDA approves Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-xiidra-lifitegrast-ophthalmic-solution-5-treatment-signs-and-symptoms-dry-eye
[3] Shingleton, B. (2016). Xiidra: The new kid on the dry eye block. Retrieved from https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/xiidra-the-new-kid-on-the-dry-eye-block
[4] Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%. (2021). Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/208129s000lbl.pdf
[5] Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05%. (2021). Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/021084s000lbl.pdf
- The active ingredient in Xiidra, lifitegrast, differs from Restasis' cyclosporine as it blocks immune pathways involved in dry eye inflammation, whereas Restasis is an immunosuppressant that restores natural tear production.
- In terms of forms and administration, both Xiidra and Restasis are available as ophthalmic solutions (eye drops), with Xiidra offered in single-use containers, and Restasis available in both single-use vials and multidose bottles.
- Xiidra's side effects include instillation site pain, headaches, sinus infections, and changes in taste, while Restasis may cause eye discomfort, burning, or stinging after application.
- Xiidra is approved for treating dry eye disease in adults and children aged 17 years and older, while the use of Restasis in children is not clearly approved, as it primarily focuses on treating adult medical-conditions.
