SILODOSIN
Background and Date of Approval
Silodosin is an alpha-adrenergic antagonist approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2008 for the treatment of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Uses
Silodosin helps to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with an enlarged prostate in adult men.
How is it administered?
Silodosin is a prescription medicine available as a tablet in two doses, Silodosin 4mg and Silodosin 8mg. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Silodosin are dizziness, runny or blocked nose, diarrhea, impotence and low sex drive, low sperm count and movement, enlarged or painful breasts. Some serious side effects also include severe allergic reactions (swelling on the face, tongue, or throat), skin reactions and irregular heartbeat.
Warnings
The prostate gland enlarges its size after 40 years of age. BPH symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, restriction of the urine flow, and painful bladder. Acute urine retention, characterized by painful urination, is most likely to develop in people with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Precautions
Inform your doctor before using Silodosin if you have severe liver or kidney problems, dizziness, having cataract surgery, or have been taking blood pressure or antifungal medications.0
Word of Advice
Inform your doctor before starting treatment if you have lung disease or kidney disease. If you have previously experienced fainting or dizziness upon standing suddenly, speak with your doctor prior to taking this medication, as it lowers blood pressure. Be aware that this medicine causes abnormal ejaculation (reduced semen volume during ejaculation) which temporarily affects male fertility.
References
Recordati Ireland Ltd., European Medicines Agency (EMA), [Revised on Sep 2014] [Accessed on 3 June 2023], https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/silodyx-epar-product-information_en.pdf Watson Laboratories, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2013] [Accessed on 3 June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/022206s012lbl.pdf Rossi M, Roumeguere T; Silodosin in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. Published on 27th October 2010;[Accessed on 3 June 2023]; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2990389/ Edward Chu, Langeâs Basic and clinical pharmacology, Adrenoceptors antagonist drugs,14th Edition, 2018, 160-161.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silodosin used for?
Silodosin treats signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with an enlarged prostate gland in adult men.
Can Silodosin cause erectile dysfunction?
Silodosin usually does not impact erectile function but may temporarily affect male fertility. On the other hand, the medication could result in ejaculatory dysfunction (a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex). Inform your doctor if you have any side effects or discomfort while using this medication.
Can Silodosin make you sleepy?
No, Silodosin does not induce sleep, but it can cause dizziness. When combined with alcohol or drugs, dizziness can become worse. After taking the medication, it is advised not to operate heavy machinery or drive a motor vehicle as this could result in deadly accidents.
Can females take silodosin?
No, Silodosin is intended only for men. This medication relaxes the prostate and the bladder opening muscles, which may help increase urine flow.
Is Silodosin harmful to the kidneys?
Silodosin is harmful to kidneys, and dose adjustment may be necessary. Inform your doctor about any kidney conditions you have.