Silofast 8 (Silodosin) 8mg Capsules

Silofast general information

What is Silofast used for?

Silofast 8 capsules 8mg are used to treat functional symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland.  Silofast 8 relieves the symptoms of urinary retention caused by restricted urine flow as the prostate becomes enlarged and presses against the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder)¹.  This helps urine to flow more easily, prevents urine backlog in the bladder, restores bladder control and relieves symptoms like need for frequent urination, inability to empty the bladder, strain and difficulty passing urine.  Silofast 8 helps improve urine flow and reduce symptoms, which may reduce the need for surgery.

How does Silofast work?

Silofast capsules 8mg contains silodosin, an alpha₁-blocker (also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonist), that binds selectively and with high affinity to the alpha adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle of the prostate gland.  Binding of silodosin in Silofast 8 blocks the action of naturally occurring adrenergic chemicals like noradrenaline which causes smooth muscle cells to contract and tighten.  Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is due to overgrowth of the smooth muscle cells within the prostate gland and increased muscle tone of these cells.  Silodosin in Silofast 8 relaxes these muscle cells which relieves the pressure exerted by the enlarged prostate gland on the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder); and also causes muscle cells in the neck of the bladder to relax.  The action of silodosin in Silofast 8 removes the blockage to urine flow caused by the prostate gland and allows urine to flow more freely through the urethra; it also relaxes the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass out of the bladder more easily.  Silofast capsules 8mg are formulated for modified release, which means that the rate of absorption of the active ingredient silodosin into your blood is controlled and you need only take one capsule a day.  

What does Silofast contain?

Silofast capsules 8mg contain the active ingredient silodosin used to treat urinary symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

Treating urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with with Silofast

Silofast capsules 8mg contain silodosin, which is used to treat functional symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate gland.  BPH is due to overgrowth of the smooth muscle cells within the prostate gland and increased muscle tone of these cells, which causes the prostate glad to compress the urethra (urine outlet tube from the bladder) running through the gland and obstructs urine flow.  Silodosin in Silofast 8 is an alpha₁-blocker (also known as alpha-adrenergic antagonist) that binds selectively to the alpha adrenergic receptor in smooth muscle of the prostate gland and blocks the action of naturally occurring adrenergic chemicals like noradrenaline which causes smooth muscle cells to contract and tighten.  Silofast capsules 8mg relaxes the smooth muscle cells in the prostate gland and removes the pressure against the urethra, allowing urine to flow more freely through the urethra; and also relaxes the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass out of the bladder more easily¹.  This action of silodosin in Silofast 8 relieves symptoms like need for frequent urination, inability to empty the bladder, strain and difficulty passing urine.  The improved urine flow and reduction in symptoms may reduce the need for surgery.

What are the side effects of Silofast?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Silofast capsules 8mg include: dizziness, headache, abnormal ejaculation, asthenia (weakness), postural hypotension (dizziness on standing) and palpitations.  A less common side effect is a persistent painful erection which should be reported to your doctor.

When should Silofast not be used?

You should not use Silofast 8 capsules if you:

• are allergic to silodosin or any ingredients in Silofast
• have kidney or liver disease
• have a history of orthostatic hypotension (dizziness, weakness when standing up from sitting)
• are taking medications that interact with Silofast, including: other alpha-blockers that relaxes smooth muscle, the anticoagulant warfarin, cimetidine for stomach ulcers.

How should Silofast be taken?

You should take your Silofast capsules 8mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, once daily, 30 minutes after your first meal of the day.  You should continue to take your Silofast 8 for 2-4 weeks; if your symptoms have not improved, your doctor may increase you dose.

How long should you take Silofast?

You should continue to take your Silofast 8 for 2-4 weeks; if your symptoms have not improved, your doctor may increase you dose.

Missed dose of Silofast

If you miss a dose of Silofast 8 take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Silofast be stored?

You should store your Silofast 8 below 25°C in a cool dry place. 

References

1. Marks LS, Gittelman MC, Hill LA, Volinn W, Hoel G.  Rapid Efficacy of the Highly Selective α1A-Adrenoceptor Antagonist Silodosin in Men With Signs and Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Pooled Results of 2 Phase 3 Studies.  The Journal of  Urology; 2009;181: 2634-40