Rapaflo and/or Equivalents

Rapaflo

Rapaflo Drug Description

Rapaflo is the brand name of a medication that belongs to the group of medicines known as alpha 1A receptor antagonists. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of enlarged prostrate which is medically termed as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition is one of the most prevalent ailments affecting the male geriatric population as they age. In case you have difficulty in urinating at night, experience a reduced flow of urine, feel the urge to urinate often throughout the day or if you feel an urge to urinate further even after you have just done so, talk to your physician for diagnosis of BPH. The prime ingredient in Rapaflo is silodosin. It is available as gelatine capsules with two strengths of 4mg and 8mg. Both the capsules are hard, opaque and white in colour. The 4mg capsule cap has ‘WATSON 151’ imprinted in gold on the cap and ‘4mg’ imprinted in gold on the body. The 8mg capsule cap has ‘WATSON 152’ imprinted in green on the cap and ‘8mg’ imprinted in green on the body. Both the capsules are supplied as 30 capsules and 90 capsules in bottles that are provided with child-resistant mechanism. The capsules also contain D-mannitol, pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, lauryl sulphate, titanium dioxide, gelatine, yellow iron oxide and FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake as excipients. Rapaflo is approved by the FDA and is available only on prescription. It is presented by Watson Pharma, Inc.

Conditions Treated by Rapaflo

Rapaflo is indicated primarily to alleviate the symptoms of BPH and bring about an improvement in your condition over time. The medicine starts working within three to four days of commencement of treatment, easing the flow of urine. In BPH, the enlarged prostrate presses against the urethra making it difficult for the tube to carry away your urine from the bladder. The flow of urine is therefore obstructed and you have a continuous feeling of not having emptied your bladder completely. Rapaflo works by relaxing the prostrate and bladder muscles thereby ensuring a smooth flow of urine and complete emptying of the bladder.

Rapaflo Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Dosage recommendation for normal patients is 8mg of silodosin to be taken once in a day along with meals. In case you are suffering from mild renal impairment, your physician will recommend a dose of 4mg once daily to be taken with meals. If you find it difficult to swallow the entire capsule, you may open the cap and sprinkle the silodosin powder onto one tablespoon of applesauce and ingest it immediately. The applesauce should be soft and at room temperature. Drink 8oz of normal water immediately so that the entire mixture is swallowed completely. Ingest the mixture within five minutes and do not store any leftover applesauce mixture for later use.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have forgotten to take a particular dose of Rapaflo, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the dose altogether if you are about to take your next schedule dose. Never take additional doses in order to make up for a missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

If you have overdosed Rapaflo, seek immediate medical help from your physician or visit your nearest healthcare centre for symptomatic treatment of typical overdose symptoms like dizziness, fainting or hypotension.

Rapaflo Warnings

Before taking Rapaflo, you must be absolutely sure about its risks and benefits, proper dosage schedule, dos and don’ts and possible adverse reactions. Your physician must also know everything about your present and past medical condition, any other medications you are taking presently, if you are allergic to silodosin or to any of the excipeients present in Rapaflo or to any other substance in particular. This exchange of information will ensure that Rapaflo is suitable for your condition and the benefits outweigh the risks, if any. Rapaflo may be contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment or those who are taking HIV medicines; antifungal preparations or alpha blockers. Your physician must also know if you are about to undergo surgery for cataracts as in that case, you may have to temporarily discontinue the medicine. BPH and prostate cancer have several similar indications and may even co-exist in patients. You must undergo all tests recommended by your physician to rule out prostate cancer before commencing treatment with Rapaflo for BPH. Avoid consuming grapefruits or its products while taking Rapaflo as grapefruit may increase the concentration of silodosin in the body, leading to a severity of side effects. A common side effect of silodosin is orthostatic hypotension or a sudden low pressure of blood flow when a person is arising from a supine position. In case you feel weak or dizzy upon standing up suddenly, lie down till you feel alright again. Avoid driving, taking alcohol or doing any hazardous activity that requires alertness till you are confident that Rapaflo does not impair your ability to concentrate. Even if you feel a marked improvement in your condition after taking Rapaflo, you may still need surgery for correcting your enlarge prostate gland. Talk to your physician and undergo regular tests to evaluate your condition as advised by him/her. Take Rapaflo exactly as recommended by your physician. Do not crush, chew or divide the capsule. Never alter doses or stop taking the medicine without medical consultation. Rapaflo is not recommended for female patients or pediatric patients below 18 years of age.

Rapaflo Side Effects

Side effects of a medicine may not be the same for all patients as it depends on individual patient tolerance and medical condition. Also, the side effects may be severe or moderate, permanent or temporary. In general typical side effects of Rapaflo include the following:

• Diarrhea
• Cloudy urine
• Pale stools
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Fainting (especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Symptoms of liver ailment like yellowing of the eyes or skin

Rapaflo Drug Interactions

It is natural for medications to interact with each other and lead to adverse reactions. Your physician must therefore know about all other medicines you are taking before determining the safety and efficacy of Rapaflo for you. Also tell him/her about any non-prescription preparation you are taking like herbal supplements, dietary products, vitamins or your addiction towards caffeine, nicotine, street drugs or alcohol.

If you have any questions about buying discount Rapaflo online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Rapaflo and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information