Silodosin
About
Silodosin belongs to the group of medicines called 'alpha-blockers' used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH) in men. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which there is an enlargement of the prostate gland due to the multiplication of the cells mostly in men above 50 years of age. The growth of the prostate gland is non-cancerous in nature.
Silodosin contains ‘Silodosin’ that works by blocking the receptors (alpha 1) located in the prostate, bladder and urethra (urine pipe), thereby relaxes the muscles of the bladder and prostate gland. This help in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and makes it easier to pass water, thereby increasing urine output and flow.
You are advised to take Silodosin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, Silodosin may cause common side-effects such as ejaculation disorders (orgasm with reduced or no sperm), dizziness, diarrhoea, stuffy nose (nasal congestion), and orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease. Silodosin is intended for use in men only; women should not take Silodosin, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women. Silodosin should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Silodosin may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption along with Silodosin as it could lead to increased dizziness. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Silodosin
Medicinal Benefits
Silodosin belongs to the group of medicines called alpha-blockers used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) mostly in men above 50 years of age. Silodosin works by blocking the receptors (alpha 1) located in the prostate, bladder and urethra (urine pipe), thereby relaxes the muscles of the bladder and prostate gland. This help in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and makes it easier to pass water, thereby increasing urine output and flow.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Silodosin
- Ejaculation disorders (orgasm with reduced or no sperm)
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Silodosin if you are allergic to Silodosin, any alpha 1 blockers or any of the components in Silodosin. Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease. Talk to your doctor before taking Silodosin if you are undergoing eye surgery (cataract surgery) as cases of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) have been found in some cases. Silodosin is intended for use in men only; women should not take Silodosin, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women. Silodosin should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Silodosin may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption along with Silodosin as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Silodosin may interact with antifungals (itraconazole, ketoconazole), blood pressure-lowering pills (verapamil, metoprolol, diltiazem), antiviral (ritonavir), immune-suppressing drugs (cyclosporine), antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin), and erectile dysfunction pills (tadalafil, sildenafil).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption along with Silodosin as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have hypotension (low blood pressure), liver impairment and severe kidney impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Silodosin as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeSilodosin is intended for use in men only; women should not take Silodosin, especially pregnant women.
Breast Feeding
unsafeSilodosin is intended for use in men only; women should not take Silodosin, especially breastfeeding women.
Driving
unsafeSilodosin may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience dizziness.
Liver
unsafeSilodosin should not be used if you have severe liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be necessary. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeSilodosin should not be given to children as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Urinate as soon as you feel the urge.
- Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Practice kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles.
- Reduce stress levels by doing yoga or meditation. Nervousness can increase the frequency of urination.
Special Advise
If you have had cataract surgery, let your doctor know before taking Silodosin as it may affect the pupil of the eye during cataract surgery. In some cases, intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) has been found.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): The prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system which surrounds the urethra. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition in which there is an enlargement of the prostate gland which occurs due to the multiplication of the cells. This causes the prostate gland to swell, which leads to the squeezing of the urethra and limits the urine flow. The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include painful urination, difficulty in urination, excess urination, incomplete urination, leakage of urine, dribbling at the end of the urinary stream, and urgency in urination. An enlarged prostate is a normal condition in older men due to changes in male sex hormones.
FAQs
Silodosin works by blocking the receptors (alpha 1) on the prostate gland, bladder and urethra (urine pipe), thereby relaxing the muscles of the bladder and prostate—this help in relieving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and makes it easier to pass urine.
Silodosin may cause dizziness and drowsiness in rare cases. So, drive only if you are alert and avoid driving and operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
Silodosin may affect fertility as it causes ejaculation disorders such as retrograde ejaculation (orgasm with less or no semen) and anejaculation (inability to ejaculate semen). However, this is a temporary effect as is reversible on discontinuation of Silodosin. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Silodosin. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Orthostatic hypotension could be a side-effect of Silodosin. Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden lowering in blood pressure leading to dizziness on standing. If you experience this, do not try to stand up suddenly or start walking, instead lie down and get up slowly only when you feel better. People taking Silodosin are advised to regularly monitor their blood pressure levels to avoid such unpleasant events.
Do not take Silodosin after expiry. Expiry refers to the last date the manufacturer guarantees the potency (strength) of the medicine. Check the expiry date regularly and dispose of the medicine properly post expiry date.
