What is Rapaflo?
Rapaflo (al-fa-ad-rene-ER-jik) is an alpha-adrenergic blocker.Rapaflo relaxes the muscles of the bladder, neck, and prostate, allowing easier urination.Rapaflo can be used to improve the urination of men with benign prostate hyperplasia.Rapaflo comes in hard gelatin capsules of 4mg or 8mg.
Side effects of Rapaflo
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, or throat;If you experience severe nausea or feel as if your heart might stop, call your doctor immediately.Rapaflo can cause fainting or dizziness, especially at first. When you wake up, you may feel dizzy. You may feel dizzy if you get up too quickly from a seated or lying position. To avoid a fall, get up slowly.
Common Rapaflo side effects may include:
- Dizziness, feeling like you might pass out;
- Headache;
- Diarrhea;
- Abnormal ejaculation;
- Stuffy nose, sinus pain
There may be other side effects.For medical advice regarding side effects, always contact your physician first. The FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Warnings
Rapaflo should not be taken if you suffer from severe liver or kidney disease.Rapaflo should not be taken with other similar medications, such as alfuzosin or prazosin.Silodosin can cause dizziness and fainting. This is especially true when you start taking it. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Standing for long periods or getting overheated is not recommended, especially during hot weather and exercise. You may feel dizzy if you get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position.Rapaflo can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Inform your eye doctor that you will be using this medication. You should not stop taking this medication before your surgery unless you are told to by your surgeon.Many other drugs can interact with silodosin.Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking.
Before you take this drug
Rapaflo should not be taken if:
- Severe liver disease
- Severe kidney disease
Rapaflo should not be taken with certain drugs. You may need to change your treatment plan if you use:
- Nefazodone;
- Antibacterial clarithromycin and telithromycin
- Antifungal medicine: itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole,
- Antiviral medicine for hiv or hepatitis c: boceprevir (cobicistat), dasabuvir (elvitegravir), indinavir (lopinavir), ritonavir (nelfinavir), paritaprevir, saquinavir, telaprevir, or tipranavir.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Rapaflo will be safe for you:
- Low blood pressure
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Heart disease
- Prostate cancer;
- A condition that you treat with a diuretic, or "water pill".
- If you're on a diet low in salt,
Silodosin can affect your pupils. Tell the surgeon if you are having eye surgery that you have been taking this medication, even if it is no longer being taken.Rapaflo should not be used by women. Its effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding are unknown.Rapaflo cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Rapaflo?
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may change your dosage from time to time in order to get you the best results. Use this medication only as directed.Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for longer than recommended.Rapaflo should be taken with meals once a day. Stay compliant with your physician's instructions.
Open the capsule and sprinkle medicine in a spoonful or pudding. Swallow it immediately without chewing. Then drink a glass of water.You will need to check your blood pressure, prostate, and other vital signs frequently while using this medication.You may experience low blood pressure due to vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating. Vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating are all examples. If you have experienced diarrhea or vomiting for a long time, call your doctor.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for benign prostatic hyperplasia:
Take 8 mg once daily with food.
Comment: Patients with difficulty swallowing can open the capsule, sprinkle the powder onto a tablespoon of applesauce, and then drink 8 ounces of cool water. Applesauce must not be too hot or soft enough to swallow within five minutes without chewing. It should also be followed by eight ounces of ice-cold water.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning, or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking. Rapaflo can cause very low blood pressure when taken with certain drugs.
- Medicines similar to silodosin include alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin and terazosin;
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- Sildenafil and other erectile disorder medications.
The list of drugs that may interact with silodosin is not exhaustive. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.