Can Xiidra Cause Dizziness? A Look at Side Effects and Safety

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

While most clinical studies for Xiidra did not identify dizziness as a common side effect, official patient information acknowledges that it may be a possible side effect in certain individuals. User reports have also linked the medication to dizziness, and severe dizziness can be a rare but serious symptom of an allergic reaction. It is important to understand the context and severity of this potential adverse event.

Quick Summary

Dizziness is not a common side effect of Xiidra based on clinical data, but some users have reported experiencing it. Severe dizziness can be a sign of a rare allergic reaction.

Key Points

Dizziness is uncommon with Xiidra: It was not a frequently reported side effect in clinical trials, where more common issues included eye irritation and taste changes.
Severe dizziness is a sign of a rare allergic reaction: If dizziness is severe and accompanied by swelling, rash, or trouble breathing, it may indicate a serious allergic reaction requiring immediate medical help.
User reports suggest it is possible: Despite low incidence in trials, some user reviews have documented episodes of dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.
Proper administration can help: Using punctal occlusion (pressing on the inner corner of the eye) after applying drops can minimize systemic absorption and potential side effects.
Other medical conditions can contribute: Dizziness can be caused by other health issues unrelated to Xiidra, so evaluation by a doctor is important.
When in doubt, consult a professional: Always discuss any new or worsening side effects with a doctor to determine the cause and appropriate action.

Dizziness vs. Common Xiidra Side Effects

Clinical trial data shows that dizziness was not a frequent side effect for those taking Xiidra. Most side effects are limited to the eye and surrounding area, or are related to the drainage of the eye drops through the tear duct. The most commonly reported issues in studies include eye irritation, unusual taste (dysgeusia), and blurred vision.

Eye Irritation: Many patients experience a burning or stinging sensation upon instillation, which is typically temporary.
Dysgeusia (Unusual Taste): The bitter or metallic taste is common and results from the drops draining into the nasal passage and throat.
Blurred Vision: A temporary decrease in visual clarity can occur immediately after applying the drops.

The Link Between Xiidra, Allergic Reactions, and Dizziness

While rare, a severe allergic reaction, or hypersensitivity, is a possible serious side effect of Xiidra. Severe dizziness is listed among the potential signs of such a reaction and requires immediate medical attention. Other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include trouble breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and rash.

This is distinct from the more common, temporary blurred vision that can cause a fleeting sense of disorientation. The dizziness associated with an allergic reaction is severe and often accompanied by other symptoms. User reports on platforms like Drugs.com have also documented experiences of dizziness, lightheadedness, and disorientation shortly after using Xiidra, sometimes coupled with nausea, though the exact mechanism isn't always clear and may not be tied to a full-blown allergic reaction.

Other Contributing Factors to Dizziness

Since Xiidra is used to treat dry eye, it is important to consider that a patient's overall health can also be a factor. For example, RxList notes that sudden dizziness can be associated with serious heart symptoms like irregular heartbeats, and patients should seek immediate medical help if this occurs. While not directly caused by Xiidra, these underlying conditions could cause dizziness and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Comparison of Xiidra's Common vs. Serious Side Effects


Characteristic	Common/Mild Side Effects	Serious/Rare Side Effects
Incidence	Fairly common (up to 25% for dysgeusia, 1-10% for blurred vision)	Rare
Primary Symptoms	Eye irritation, bad taste, blurred vision, headache, sinusitis	Severe dizziness, swelling (face/tongue/throat), rash, trouble breathing
Timeline	Typically temporary, may resolve within minutes or improve over weeks	Can occur suddenly; requires immediate medical attention
Mechanism	Mostly local effects; drainage into nasal passage	Hypersensitivity reaction

How to Administer Xiidra Properly to Reduce Systemic Absorption

Since dizziness can sometimes be related to systemic absorption of the medication, using proper technique can help minimize the risk.

Wash your hands thoroughly before use to prevent contamination.
Remove contact lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
After applying the drop, press a finger to the inside corner of the eye, next to the nose, for at least one minute. This technique, known as punctal occlusion, prevents the drop from draining quickly and being absorbed systemically.
Discard the single-use container immediately after use.

Conclusion

For most individuals, Xiidra is not expected to cause dizziness based on clinical studies. However, dizziness has been reported in post-marketing experiences and user reviews, and in rare cases, severe dizziness can indicate a serious allergic reaction. If you experience any dizziness, especially if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or trouble breathing, contact a healthcare provider immediately. As with any medication, it is important to discuss any side effects or concerns with your doctor. Always follow the proper administration technique to minimize the risk of systemic side effects.

For more information on the proper use of Xiidra, you can consult resources provided by the manufacturer or the FDA, such as the Prescribing Information document.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, dizziness is not a common side effect of Xiidra. Clinical studies showed that more frequent side effects include eye irritation, bad taste, and blurred vision.

Yes. Severe dizziness, especially when experienced with other symptoms like rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, can be a sign of a rare but serious allergic reaction. This requires immediate medical attention.

While intended for local application, some medication can be absorbed systemically through the tear ducts, leading to potential side effects like dizziness in sensitive individuals. User reports suggest this can happen, though it is not a common occurrence.

To help minimize systemic absorption, use proper application technique. After placing the drop, press a finger to the inner corner of your eye for at least one minute to prevent the medication from draining into your nose and throat.

If you experience mild, temporary lightheadedness, sitting down until it passes may be sufficient. However, if the dizziness is severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical care.

Yes, temporary blurred vision right after applying the drops is a common side effect and can cause a momentary feeling of disorientation that could be mistaken for dizziness.

You should not stop taking Xiidra without consulting your doctor. If dizziness is a concern, discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider, who can determine the cause and recommend the best course of action.