Rapaflo

Enlarged Prostate

Treatment

1 FDA approval

15 Active Studies for Rapaflo

What is Rapaflo

Silodosin

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Silodosin is a medication used to relax the muscles in the prostate, bladder neck and prostatic urethra to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition is more common in men over the age of 40 and can cause urinary issues that affect quality of life. Silodosin works by targeting the α1A receptors with high affinity and relaxing the muscles to reduce bladder outlet obstruction. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2008 and is available under the trade names Rapaflo and Urorec.

Rapaflo

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Rapaflo Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Rapaflo

Silodosin

2009

34

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Silodosin, also known as Rapaflo, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses including Enlarged Prostate .

Enlarged Prostate

Effectiveness

How Rapaflo Affects Patients

Silodosin is a drug that blocks certain hormones in the body. It is most effective at blocking the Alpha 1A receptor subtype, which is 162 times more effective than Alpha 1B and about 50 times more effective than Alpha 1D. Clinical trials have shown that silodosin can improve the flow of urine, reduce symptoms related to the bladder and prostate, and provide relief within two to six hours. Silodosin weakly affects the cardiovascular system, but it can cause a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery in those taking alpha 1-AR antagonists.

How Rapaflo works in the body

The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve inflammation, apoptosis, and cellular proliferation. Silodosin is a drug used to treat BPH that works by blocking α1A-adrenoceptor receptors in the prostate and bladder. Blocking these receptors decreases muscle contraction in the prostate and urethra, which improves lower urinary tract symptoms like slow urine stream and postvoid dribbling. Silodosin also targets nerves in the bladder, helping to reduce bladder overactivity and storage symptoms.

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed dose of Rapaflo is contingent upon the diagnosed situation. The measure of dosage fluctuates, in accordance with the method of administration outlined in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Enlarged Prostate

4.0 mg, , 8.0 mg

Oral, Capsule - Oral, , Capsule, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated

Warnings

Rapaflo Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Severe Hepatic Impairment

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Silodosin may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Rapaflo.

Common Rapaflo Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Alfuzosin

Major

Silodosin may increase the hypotensive activities of Alfuzosin.

Aripiprazole lauroxil

Major

Silodosin may increase the orthostatic hypotensive, hypotensive, and antihypertensive activities of Aripiprazole lauroxil.

Asenapine

Major

Silodosin may increase the orthostatic hypotensive, hypotensive, and antihypertensive activities of Asenapine.

Brexpiprazole

Major

Silodosin may increase the orthostatic hypotensive, hypotensive, and antihypertensive activities of Brexpiprazole.

Bucindolol

Major

Silodosin may increase the orthostatic hypotensive, hypotensive, and antihypertensive activities of Bucindolol.

Rapaflo Toxicity & Overdose Risk

In rats, the lowest toxic dose of silodosin is 800mg/kg. During clinical trials, low blood pressure was the most common serious side effect. If someone overdoses on silodosin, they should be laid down to restore their blood pressure and heart rate. Additional treatments, like administering intravenous fluids or using vasopressors, may be needed. Since silodosin binds to proteins in the blood, dialysis is not likely to be helpful.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Rapaflo Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Rapaflo?

21 active investigations are currently being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Rapaflo in managing Enlarged Prostate conditions.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Enlarged Prostate

16 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2

Rapaflo Reviews: What are patients saying about Rapaflo?

4.3

Patient Review

5/4/2016

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

I took this medication for a year as prescribed by my doctor for IC. However, after stopping the medicine, I started experiencing a lot of side effects, which led me to believe that this drug is not yet approved for public use. If you are considering taking this drug, especially if you are a woman, I would urge you to reconsider.

3.7

Patient Review

12/19/2020

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

I was recommended this medication by my doctor, alongside Avodart, for an enlarged prostate. Unfortunately, I stopped taking the medication after just two days due to the severe side effects I experienced, which included but were not limited to dizziness, congestion, insomnia and a total loss of sex drive. In comparison to those quality of life concerns, having to urinate frequently at night seems like a walk in the park.

3.3

Patient Review

5/23/2017

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

I went to the urologist because I was experiencing painful erections at night (as well as pain in my groin area). He prescribed Rapaflow. Initially, there were fewer nighttime urinations, but after about a month, I'm back to my original 3 per night with the same level of pain. Ejaculations are weird like other commenters have said. I might give it one more month, but then stop. I see no improvement now.

3.3

Patient Review

5/6/2015

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate

I was recommended this by my urologist for weak urine flow. I tried it out with some sample doses, and after six weeks I discontinued use due to lack of effectiveness. It also interfered considerably with sexual performance, which is something to keep in mind. Lastly, it's quite overpriced compared to other medications available; buyer beware.

2.7

Patient Review

10/22/2014

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate

I have been unable to reach orgasm and ejaculate.

2.7

Patient Review

12/14/2015

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

I was really hoping this drug would help me with my urinary issues, but unfortunately it didn't. Not only that, but it caused some serious sexual side effects that I wasn't expecting.

2.7

Patient Review

10/6/2017

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate

I, too, have experienced dry orgasms with this treatment. Additionally, I'm still having issues with urine flow.

2.3

Patient Review

7/13/2015

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate

I'm currently taking Rapaflow and Fineresteride, but I'm still waking up 4-6 times each night to urinate. Not only that, but I have retrograde ejaculations during sex. I've been prescribed Cialis (tadalafil) for ED, which has helped somewhat.

2.3

Patient Review

4/18/2016

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

This medication helped me to urinate less frequently; however, I experienced some stomach upset and diarrhea as side effects.

2

Patient Review

5/19/2017

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

This has been a very effective treatment for my prostate, but I'm not happy about the side effects. Sinus congestion, headaches, indigestion, and no discharge during ejaculation are all pretty unpleasant. I wasn't made aware of any potential side effects before starting this medication, so I don't know if the benefits outweigh the risks.

2

Patient Review

10/23/2015

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

I found no change in the frequency of my urination while taking this medication. Additionally, I experienced a stuffy nose and difficulty breathing; however, these effects were minor compared to the diarrhea I also had. Ultimately, I stopped taking the medication per my doctor's recommendation.

1

Patient Review

4/10/2018

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate

I tried Rapadflo for a couple of weeks to see if it would help with my urinary issues. Unfortunately, it created too many other problems like shortness of breath, sinus congestion, and ejaculation difficulties. I stopped taking the medication and will now explore other options or just learn to live with the problem. If it gets bad enough, I might look into getting the Urolift procedure done.

1

Patient Review

12/22/2018

Rapaflo for Enlarged Prostate

I'm 75 years old and have BPH. I tried Rapaflo for two days and experienced a runny nose and premature ejaculation. I stopped the medication immediately and fired my urologist.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about rapaflo

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Does Rapaflo make you urinate more?

"Silodosin helps relax the muscles in the prostate and in the opening to the bladder, which may help increase the flow of urine or decrease the symptoms."

Answered by AI

What is Rapaflo used for?

"Rapaflo is used to help improve urination for men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate)."

Answered by AI

Is Rapaflo the same as Flomax?

"Silodosin and tamsulosin are bothalpha blockers that work at the same receptors in our bodies. However, this does not mean that they are identical. Some people may respond better to silodosin while others may respond better to tamsulosin. Additionally, the side effects that each person experiences may differ."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Rapaflo?

"Other potential side effects include:

Dizziness, weakness, headache, sleep problems, diarrhea, stomach pain, decreased amount of semen released during sex, abnormal ejaculation."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Rapaflo

Image of Centre Hospitalier de l'université de Montréal (CHUM) in Montréal, Canada.

Optilume vs Rezum for Enlarged Prostate

18+
Male
Montréal, Canada

Lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) affect older men and their frequency and severity increase with age. According to Berry et al., the histological diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) increases from 25% in the group age between 40 to 49 years to 80% in the group age between 70 to 79 years (1). However, this hyperplasia can lead to a bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), causing storage and voiding symptoms, associated with a considerable impairment of the quality of life (2). Surgical therapy of BPH has continuously evolved in recent years. The current gold standard for the endoscopic treatment of BPH is the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Other innovative techniques were developed including Urolift, transurethral laser enucleation (holmium, thulium) and Aquablation therapy. One of the latest technologies for the management of BPH are Optilume BPH Catheter System (Optilume®, Urotronic Inc, Minneapolis, USA) and Rezum Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum System, Bostocn Scientific, Marlborough, MA). The purpose of the present study is to compare between patient experience, symptom relief and functional improvement when using the Optilume BPH Catheter System (Optilume®, Urotronic Inc, Minneapolis, USA) and Rezum Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum System, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA).

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Centre Hospitalier de l'université de Montréal (CHUM) (+1 Sites)

Naeem Bhojani, MD

Have you considered Rapaflo clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Rapaflo, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials

Have you considered Rapaflo clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Rapaflo, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Image of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre/Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute in Thunder Bay, Canada.

Traditional vs Top-Down HoLEP for Enlarged Prostate

18+
Male
Thunder Bay, Canada

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland, places pressure on the urethra and causes urination difficulties and bladder problems. Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH is a common condition in aging men, with an overall prevalence of more than 50% in those older than 50 years of age. Men with LUTS often experience sexual dysfunction including ejaculatory loss, painful ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction, which among other complications can also lead to a decreased quality of life. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), first reported by Fraundorfer et al in 1998, is a more recent step in the evolution of holmium laser prostatectomy. HOLEP offers patients the alternative of being treated endoscopically with minimal blood loss, short catheterization time, and decreased hospital stay. One noted drawback to HoLEP, and the primary reason why it has yet to become the new standard for treatment of symptomatic BPH, is the complexity of this procedure, with a prolonged learning curve. Modifications to the procedure have thus been explored in order to address this limitation. The "Top-Down" HoLEP technique is a novel technique which offers potential benefits to the Traditional HoLEP procedure, including decreased complexity, a reduced learning curve, with anticipated improved continence. This study will compare the operating time between the Top-Down Holmium Laser Enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and the Traditional HoLEP for the treatment of patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH in Northwestern Ontario.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre/Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute

Hazem Elmansy, MD

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Rapaflo, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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