Rapaflo (RAP-a-flow)
Rapaflo (silodosin [SYE-loh-DOE-sin]) is an alpha blocker primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate. This medication relaxes prostate and bladder-related muscles to improve urination, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and relieve pain making it helpful for some prostatitis patients.
Rapaflo Warnings
Rapaflo may cause low blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you have ever had low blood pressure. Do not use this medication to treat high blood pressure.
Rapaflo may cause dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting.
Do not take this medication if you have severe kidney or liver problems. Your kidneys may need to be monitored while taking this drug if you have kidney disease, as the kidneys aid in removing this medication from the body.
Other conditions may cause similar symptoms. Your physician should rule out other conditions, including prostate cancer or bladder issues, before you take this medication.
Rapaflo and other alpha blockers may cause intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS), which can occur during cataract surgery. Before having cataract surgery, tell your doctor if you have taken or are taking Rapaflo or any other alpha blockers.
Do not take Rapaflo if you are allergic to any ingredient in it.
Other drugs may interact with this medication, including other alpha blockers. Do not take this medication while taking other alpha blockers.
Rapaflow may cause some sexual side effects such as orgasm with little or no semen or priapism, which is a painful erection of the penis that lasts for several hours. Priapism is a medical emergency and if you experience it you should seek medical help immediately.
Be sure to tell your doctor which medications, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements you currently take before starting Rapaflo.
Other drugs that may interact with this medication include drugs for high blood pressure and drugs for erectile dysfunction.
The following medications may aid in removing Rapaflo from the body:
- Antifungals
- Cyclosporine
- Macrolide antibiotics
- HIV protease inhibitors
- Other HIV medications
Why Is Rapaflo Prescribed for Prostatitis?
Rapaflo and other alpha blockers are used in patients with Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) who have urinary problems. Alpha blockers may provide relief from frequent urination, urinary urgency, pain with urination, and weak stream.
How Should Rapaflo (silodosin) for Prostatitis Be Used?
Your doctor may want you to take the first dose of this medication at bedtime to reduce the chance of dizziness or fainting.
After your first dose, take Rapaflo regularly one time each day orally with the same meal, or follow your physician’s instructions. The recommended dose is 8 mg.
If you experience problems when swallowing Rapaflo, you may shake the complete contents of the inside of the capsule onto a tablespoon of applesauce just prior to taking. Do not warm the applesauce. Swallow the blend right away.
Do not chew the contents of the capsule. Do not save the contents of an opened capsule for a later time.
Drink a cold glass of water after taking this medication.
Your medical condition and response to treatment will dictate the dose.
This medication should be used regularly to achieve the most benefit from it.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, tell your doctor immediately.
Other Uses for Rapaflo
Rapaflo is used in men with an enlarged prostate to improve urination. This medication relaxes prostate and bladder-related muscles to help with the flow of urine and to relieve symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
Rapaflo may be used to pass kidney stones through urination.
Do I Need to Follow Special Precautions?
Inform your physician if you are allergic to Rapaflo or any other alpha blockers before you take it. Inactive ingredients in this medication may cause an allergic reaction. Inform your physician if you have any other allergies.
Provide your physician with a medical history before taking this medication, especially with concern to:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
Stand up slowly after lying or sitting down to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, especially if you just began using this medication, or if your doctor has changed your dose.
This medication may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any other activity that requires you to be alert until you are aware of how this medication affects your performance.
Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
Tell your physician if you have ever taken this drug before any surgeries, including cataract surgery and dental surgery.
Elderly patients may be more prone to side effects of this medication, particularly dizziness. Use caution when taking this medication if you are an elderly patient.
Rapaflo is only approved for use in men. Do not share your medication with others.
Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Rapaflo?
Follow your regular diet unless directed otherwise by a physician. Take this medication at the same time daily either with or immediately after a meal. Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
What If I Forget a Dose?
If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.
Are There Side Effects When Taking Rapaflo for Prostatitis?
You may experience these common side effects while taking Rapaflo:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Reduced semen or difficulty ejaculating
- Orgasm with little or no semen
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Priapism (medical emergency)
If any of these side effects continue or worsen, inform your physician immediately.
Many patients taking this medication do not experience severe side effects.
If you experience an erection that is painful or lasts four or more hours, stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention. If you are not treated for this rare side effect promptly, permanent problems may occur.
In the event of a rare allergic reaction, you may experience the following side effects:
- Rash/hives
- Itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
If you experience an allergic reaction to this medication, seek medical attention immediately.
Does Rapaflo Have Special Storage Instructions?
This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.
Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)
What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.
What Else Should I Know about Rapaflo for Prostatitis?
Even though some other BPH drugs may shrink the prostate, this medication does not. Rapaflo controls symptoms, but it is not a cure for prostatitis.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.