Lacrisert Drug Interactions: What to Avoid and What to Tell Your Doctor

If you have been prescribed Lacrisert and take other medications — whether eye drops, pills, or supplements — it is natural to wonder whether they will interfere with each other. The good news is that Lacrisert has a well-documented and favorable safety profile with respect to drug interactions. Here is what the evidence shows and what you should tell your doctor.

Does Lacrisert Have Drug Interactions?

Formal pharmacokinetic studies of Lacrisert have shown no marked adverse interactions with other commonly used ophthalmic medications. Studies specifically evaluated the combination of Lacrisert with:

Pilocarpine (a miotic agent used for glaucoma): No adverse interaction found.

Proparacaine HCl (0.5%) (a topical ophthalmic anesthetic): No adverse interaction found.

Phenylephrine (5%) (an ophthalmic decongestant/dilating agent): No adverse interaction found.

Dexamethasone (0.1%) (an ophthalmic corticosteroid): No adverse interaction found.

Because Lacrisert acts locally in the eye as a physical lubricant — and is not absorbed systemically to a clinically relevant degree — it does not affect the metabolism of oral medications, and oral medications do not affect how Lacrisert dissolves or works.

Can I Use Eye Drops Alongside Lacrisert?

Yes, but timing matters. Applying eye drops while Lacrisert is in place is generally safe and may actually be helpful — especially right after insertion when Lacrisert is still firm. However, there are a few practical considerations:

Apply drops at least 10–15 minutes apart if you are using multiple types of eye drops (e.g., Lacrisert plus a glaucoma drop plus a corticosteroid). This prevents one drop from washing out the other.

Apply most eye drops before placing Lacrisert. Drops with active pharmaceutical ingredients (like glaucoma medications or anti-inflammatory drops) are best instilled before placing the Lacrisert insert, so the insert does not impede their absorption.

Preservative-free artificial tears after insertion are fine and often recommended to help the insert dissolve more quickly and reduce initial blurring.

Can I Use Lacrisert With Restasis, Xiidra, or Cequa?

Yes. Many ophthalmologists co-prescribe Lacrisert with an anti-inflammatory eye drop like cyclosporine (Restasis/Cequa) or lifitegrast (Xiidra). This combination addresses both the mechanical tear film stability (Lacrisert's role) and the underlying inflammation (cyclosporine/lifitegrast's role). The typical approach:

Instill your Restasis, Cequa, or Xiidra drop in the morning and evening as directed.

Place the Lacrisert insert after your morning dose of the prescription drop (wait 10–15 minutes after the drop).

Continue using the prescription drop twice daily even while using Lacrisert, unless your doctor instructs otherwise.

Can I Use Lacrisert With Contact Lenses?

Lacrisert is not officially recommended for use with contact lenses. The insert is placed in the inferior cul-de-sac, which is the same space that holds a contact lens. The presence of the insert may interfere with lens positioning and comfort. If you wear contact lenses, discuss this with your ophthalmologist or optometrist before using Lacrisert.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting Lacrisert

Before starting Lacrisert, inform your prescribing doctor about:

All prescription eye drops you use (glaucoma medications, steroids, anti-inflammatory drops)

Any OTC eye drops or lubricants you use regularly

Whether you wear contact lenses

Any known hypersensitivity to cellulose derivatives

Your complete list of oral medications — while systemic interactions are unlikely, it is good practice for your prescriber to have a complete medication list

For more safety information, see Lacrisert Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor. Need help finding Lacrisert at a pharmacy near you? Visit medfinder.