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Rapaflo

Generic name: silodosinSIL-oh-DOE-sin ]
Drug class: Alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 27, 2023.

What is Rapaflo?

Rapaflo is an alpha-adrenergic (AL-fa ad-ren-ER-jik) blocker.

Rapaflo helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Rapaflo is used to improve urination in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Rapaflo is supplied as a 4mg and 8mg hard gelatin cspsules.

Warnings

You should not take Rapaflo if you have severe kidney or liver disease.

Do not take Rapaflo together with similar medicines such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, or terazosin.

Silodosin may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid standing for long periods of time or becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Rapaflo can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medicine. Do not stop using this medicine before surgery unless your surgeon tells you to.

There are many other drugs that can interact with silodosin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Rapaflo if you are allergic to silodosin, or if you have:

Some drugs should not be used with Rapaflo. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

To make sure Rapaflo is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Silodosin can affect your pupils. If you need eye surgery, tell the surgeon about your use of this medicine, even if you no longer take it.

Rapaflo is not for use in women, and the effects of this medicine during pregnancy or in breastfeeding women are unknown.

Rapaflo is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Rapaflo?

Take Rapaflo exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Rapaflo is usually taken once daily with a meal. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of pudding or applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing, then drink a full glass of water.

While using this medicine, your blood pressure and prostate will need to be checked often.

Some things can cause your blood pressure to get too low. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating. Call your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

8 mg orally once a day with a meal

Comments: Patients who have difficulty swallowing may open the capsule and sprinkle the powder on a tablespoonful of applesauce. The applesauce should not be hot, and should be soft enough to be swallowed within 5 minutes without chewing and followed with 8 ounces of cool water.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Rapaflo?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Rapaflo side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Rapaflo: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe dizziness, or if you feel like you might pass out.

Rapaflo lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it. You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Common Rapaflo side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Rapaflo?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can increase your risk of very low blood pressure while taking Rapaflo, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with silodosin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Rapaflo only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.