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This medication is used to treat the symptoms of a prostate gland condition called BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate). Silodosin is an alpha-blocker that works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate. Relaxing these muscles leads to relief of symptoms of BPH such as the feeling of needing to urinate frequently or urgently, weak stream, difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, and the need to urinate during the middle of the night. Silodosin does not shrink the prostate.
This medication should not be used to treat high blood pressure.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Silodosin may also be used to help your body \"pass,\" or get rid of, kidney stones through urination.
How to use Rapaflo Oral
Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day with a meal, or as directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor if you should take the first dose at bedtime to minimize the chances of getting dizzy or fainting. After the first dose, take your regularly scheduled dose with the same meal each day, or take exactly as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
Dizziness or problems ejaculating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fainting, vision changes.
In the unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking silodosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure/fainting.
To avoid dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a lying or seated position, especially when you first start taking this drug or if your doctor changes your dosing. Also, when you first start taking this drug, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint.
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Before having cataract surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking this medication of if you have ever taken it. Before having any surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness.
During pregnancy, silodosin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: other alpha-blocker drugs (such as doxazosin, prazosin), drugs for high blood pressure, drugs to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil).
Other medications can affect the removal of silodosin from your body, which may affect how silodosin works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), cyclosporine, macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin), HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), among others.
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as antihistamines including diphenhydramine) because they may contain ingredients that cause dizziness or urinary problems. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, prostate exams including prostate-specific antigen or PSA) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised September 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.
