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Silodosin Oral Capsules

What is this medication?

SILODOSIN (SYE lo DOE sin) is used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland in men, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It is not for use in women.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Rapaflo

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • Prostate cancer
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to silodosin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it with a meal. Do not cut, crush or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole. You may open the capsule and put the contents in 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the medication and applesauce right away. Do not chew the medication or applesauce. Follow with a glass of water. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Clarithromycin
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
  • Ritonavir

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Cyclosporine
  • Erythromycin
  • Medications for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil
  • Medications for blood pressure, such as diltiazem, verapamil
  • Other medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia or high blood pressure, such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, and judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

If you are having cataract surgery, tell your eye surgeon about your prescription for this medication even if you are no longer taking it.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • changes in vision
  • low blood pressure (dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired)
  • prolonged or painful erection

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in sex drive or performance
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • orgasm with decreased or no semen
  • runny or stuffy nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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