Prostate Home > Rapaflo
Rapaflo is a prescription drug licensed to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Although it is not a cure for the condition, the medication can quickly relieve symptoms by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder. It comes in capsule form and is usually taken by mouth once a day with a meal. Potential side effects include dizziness, headaches, and diarrhea.
Rapaflo™ (silodosin) is a prescription medication approved to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.
(Click Rapaflo Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Rapaflo is made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Rapaflo is part of a class of drugs known as alpha blockers. There are a few different kinds of alpha receptors in the body, and this medication works mostly at alpha-1 receptors. Alpha-1 receptors are found in several places of the body, including the prostate gland.
When used for the treatment of BPH, alpha-1 blockers help to relax the muscles of the prostate and the bladder neck (where urine leaves the bladder). Rapaflo does not shrink the prostate, as some other BPH medications do. However, by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder, it helps to quickly relieve BPH symptoms. While this medication can help with symptoms, it is not a cure for BPH.
Rapaflo has been thoroughly evaluated in clinical studies. These studies showed that Rapaflo decreased BPH symptoms (such as nighttime urination, frequent urination, and a weak stream) and increased urine flow rate more than a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). The medication started working quickly, with large decreases in symptoms within the first few days.