Health Library

Silodosin (By mouth)

Silodosin (sil-oh-DOE-sin)

Treats problems caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). This medicine is an alpha-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Rapaflo

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the powder into a small amount (tablespoonful) of applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away (within 5 minutes) without chewing. Drink a glass of cool water to make sure you swallow all of the medicine.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or ritonavir
• Some medicines can affect how silodosin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Erythromycin
  • Blood pressure (including diltiazem, verapamil)
  • Medicine to treat erectile dysfunction (including sildenafil, tadalafil)
  • Other alpha-blockers

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine is not for use in women.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, or prostate cancer.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy, so you do not faint.
• Tell your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you have used or are using this medicine before cataract surgery or any other eye procedure. This medicine may cause a serious eye problem called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS).
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Sexual problems

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024