Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic) will not cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is not listed as a potential side effect of using Xiidra, and there is no indication that proper administration of Xiidra in the eyes is associated with diarrhea.
Xiidra is a prescription ophthalmic solution, meaning it should be applied directly to your eyes. It is not intended to be swallowed. Oral ingestion of Xiidra may be harmful.
Xiidra contains lifitegrast. Over-the-counter eye drops containing a different compound, tetrahydrozoline, are well-known to be poisonous when swallowed, including Eye-Sine, Visine Original, Visine Advanced Relief and Opti-Clear. There is a common belief that consuming these eye drop solutions will cause diarrhea. While ingesting eye drops could result in diarrhea, it is not the primary or most common outcome. Swallowing eye drops containing tetrahydrozoline is harmful and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms of tetrahydrozoline poisoning include:
- Blood pressure changes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Coma
- Difficulty breathing
Xiidra does not contain tetrahydrozoline, but is still considered potentially harmful when swallowed.