Rapaflo (Silodosin)

Rapaflo (silodosin) is a prescription drug used to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in men. It works as an alpha-1 adrenoreceptor antagonist that relaxes muscles in the prostate and bladder opening to help urine flow more easily.

Directions

Rapaflo is taken by mouth with a meal at a standard dosage of 8 mg per day. Men with moderate kidney problems may need a lower dose of 4 mg daily, while those with severe kidney issues shouldn't take this medication at all. Swallow the capsules whole rather than crushing, chewing, or opening them.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Rapaflo is silodosin.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Rapaflo can lower blood pressure when you stand up, especially when starting treatment, which may cause dizziness or fainting, so be cautious with driving or activities that require alertness at first.
• People with kidney problems may have higher levels of Rapaflo in their body, so a lower dose may be needed, and the medication should not be used at all in those with severe kidney disease.
• Rapaflo should not be used in people with severe liver disease because it has not been shown to be safe in this group.
• Certain medications, including strong antifungal or antiviral drugs, can greatly increase Rapaflo levels in the body and should not be taken together.
• Rapaflo should not be combined with other alpha-blocker medications because this can increase the risk of dangerously low blood pressure.
• Using Rapaflo with blood pressure medications or erectile dysfunction drugs may further lower blood pressure, so patients should be monitored for dizziness or fainting.
• Because prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate can cause similar symptoms, it's important to be checked for prostate cancer before starting Rapaflo.
• Rapaflo may affect the eyes during cataract surgery, so consult an eye surgeon before the procedure if this medication is being taken.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min)
• Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score of 10 or above)
• Hypersensitivity to silodosin or any ingredient in Rapaflo capsules
• Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, or ritonavir

Side Effects

Common side effects of Rapaflo include:

• Retrograde ejaculation
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• Headache
• Nasal congestion or runny nose

More serious side effects are rare but can include fainting, prolonged or painful erections (priapism), severe allergic reactions, or liver-related problems. Rare cases of eye issues during cataract surgery, known as intraoperative floppy iris syndrome, have also been reported. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience fainting, swelling of the face or throat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or any severe or persistent symptoms.