Xiidra vs. Rhopressa for Dry Eye and Glaucoma: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Rhopressa (netarsudil) are both prescription eye drop medications, but they treat different conditions. Xiidra is used to treat dry eyes. It is an LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1) antagonist, which helps reduce inflammation in the eyes. On the other hand, Rhopressa is used to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is a ROCK (rho kinase) inhibitor, which helps drain fluid from the eye. Xiidra is typically applied twice daily, while Rhopressa is used once daily at night. Xiidra and Rhopressa are only available as a brand name medication. Common side effects of Xiidra include eye irritation and blurry vision, while Rhopressa often causes eye redness and cornea deposits.

Xiidra

(lifitegrast)

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Rhopressa

(netarsudil)

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Summary for Xiidra

Prescription only

Xiidra (lifitegrast) is an eye drop medication that treats dry eye in adults. It belongs to a drug class called LFA-1 antagonists. It's thought to help lower inflammation and other symptoms of dry eye. Usually, you need to use Xiidra (lifitegrast) every day. You put 1 drop into each eye twice a day. Side effects include temporary eye irritation and unclear vision. At this time, Xiidra (lifitegrast) is available only as a brand medication. There's no generic version yet.

Indications for Xiidra

Dry eye

Pros and Cons for Xiidra

Pros

Works to help treat dry eye in the long run
Might be less likely to cause burning in the eyes than Restasis (cyclosporine)

Cons

Won't give you instant relief and have to take for a couple weeks before it starts working
Not approved for people younger than 17 years old

Common Side Effects for Xiidra

Eye irritation (5-25%)
Strange taste in the mouth (5-25%)
Unclear vision (5-25%)

Warnings for Xiidra

Risk of contamination

Summary for Rhopressa

Prescription only

Rhopressa, also known by its generic name, netarsudil, is an eye drop medication used to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It received FDA approval in December 2017 and belongs to a newer class of medications called ROCK (rho kinase) inhibitors. The medication is given as a drop into the affected eye(s) once every night. Common side effects include eye redness and blurry vision.