As the tissues around your prostate thicken or expand, you are likely to witness a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). There are 2 distinctive phases of growth of prostate among males. The first phase is witnessed when males attain puberty; second phase starts once men reach 22 years of age. In general, as men become old, their prostate tends to get bigger. Drugs like silodosin are used to treat BPH; but, can it harm your cardiac function? It is a vital thing to know more about this.
Enlargement of the prostate is a natural process. However, it may become a medical condition only when its growth gets way too large. The normal size of prostate resembles a ping-pong ball; but, in men who have an enlarged prostate or BPH, it may enlarge as big as a tennis ball. A larger prostate may start pushing the urethra and may weaken your urinary bladder. If left untreated, this pressure can inhibit your bladder from becoming fully empty.
Men with an enlarged prostate may soon witness conditions such as retention of urine. Those who have this disorder may have a residue of urine leftover inside their bladder. In some men, flow of urine becomes restricted; as a result, you may see a weak stream of urinary discharge. You need to remember that an enlarged prostate is not a malignant condition; in other words, it is unlikely to cause cancers. Rate of incidence of BPH is on the rise. Nearly 45% (or even more) of males aged between 49 to 59 years may have this condition. Among those aged above 80 years, the incidence rate can be as high as 75% or more.
Silodosin for the treatment of enlarged prostate
Of the several drugs available for treating BPH, Silodosin is a widely used medication. It is mainly administered for treating an enlargement of the prostate. The key ingredients of this med do not bring an enlarged prostate to its original shape and size. Instead, its active chemicals relax the prostatic muscles and tissues. This relaxation process helps bring needful relief from urinary problems such as weakened flow of urine, need to urinate more often, difficulties faced while starting to pee, etc. In some instances, the drug has also helped in managing your need to pee more urgently.
What are its effects on your heart?
Silodosin is categorised under a genre of meds called alpha blockers. This drug is not an over the counter med; hence, it needs to be taken as per the advice and instructions of your treating doctor. Users of this drug reported of severe drop in blood pressure level or hypotension. Upon sensing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting / passing out, loss of coordination, excessive sweating and / or palpitations, you need to inform your treating doctor as quickly as possible.
In a few men, intake of this med has caused heart disorders. It is hence safe to inform the treating doctor of prior episodes of cardiac dysfunction, recent heart failure or a cardiac arrest. Elderly men are more vulnerable to risks associated with the malfunctioning of cardiac system. Among older men, signs such as a marked drop in blood pressure as well as giddiness are observed.
If you are living in the US, call 911 as soon as you possibly can; you may also reach out to the helpline of the food and drug administration for needful medical support on an emergency mode. Those who are living in a Canadian province must reach out to Health Canada or to a poison control unit located closer to where you live.
Interactions with alpha blockers and other drugs
This med can adversely interact with other drugs, especially when it is co-administered with such medications. For instance, if your medication plan includes alpha blocker meds such as terazosin or prazosin, your caregiving team must be informed of such treatment. Also, if you are taking drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED, in short), your treating physician needs to know about the dosage of such drugs. Intake of silodosin along with ED drugs such as sildenafil citrate, tadalafil or avanafil can cause signs such as passing out or fainting.
These signs occur due to a substantial decrease in blood pressure level; once you are witnessing a few early warnings of spells of hypotension, talk to your doctor immediately of such adverse reactions. Your caregiver will alter the dosages and / or prescribe a few safer alternatives to minimize these discomforts.
Safe intake of silodosin
This med is not an over the counter med. Its use is always under the medical supervision and guidance of a qualified medical practitioner. No two men with an enlarged prostate are prescribed with the same medication / treatment plan. Your dose depends on a host of variables such as your age, body weight, intensity of the clinical problems, prior clinical conditions, if any, etc.
In this light, it is essential to tell your doctor of the other drugs you are taking now. As a standard precautionary measure, make a list of all the drugs you are consuming currently. As you are making this list, ensure to add over the counter (OTC) meds, prescription drugs, vitamin supplements, protein or mineral aids, herbal meds as well as dietary aids. Those who aim to take a shot of a vaccine must keep their physician informed of upcoming shot(s).
This drug is taken through the oral route. The standard dosage strength hovers in between 4 milligrams (mg) to 8 mg. The maximum dosage strength of silodosin for adults – taken along with food – must never exceed 8 mg within a 24-hour timeline. On the other hand, administration of this drug onto children or teens (aged less than 18 years) is not considered a safe practice.
Prior medical conditions and dosage of silodosin
It is equally important to tell your doctor of your prior ailments and disorders before starting your medication plan. This med is never administered to people living with severe or chronic renal disorders. However, for those with a milder form of kidney problems, the dosage strength per day never exceeds beyond 4 mg.
Those who have prior spells of hypotension also must be prescribed this med in moderation. If you are already spells of dizziness while changing postures i.e., while shifting from a standing position to a sleeping posture or vice versa, your caregiving team must be made aware of such discomforts. As a safety measure, it is dangerous to drive or work with heavy machinery. You are also advised not to engage in sporting actions or adventures such as swimming or cycling.
This med (and its key ingredients) need the efficient functioning of your hepatic system (liver) to process it. Those who have liver conditions such as cirrhosis or inflammation of liver (hepatitis) must tell their physician of such conditions. These conditions may leave a larger residue of the active chemicals of silodosin; this in turn leads to adverse side effects such as a severe drop of blood pressure, giddiness, palpitations, itchiness, hives and a few other skin conditions.
Other safety precautions associated with the intake of silodosin
It is required of you to tell your caregiver of drugs / key chemicals you are allergic to. Those with prior allergies may develop adverse reactions such as inflammation of oral organs, respiratory problems, rashes on skin, etc. You are advised to stop taking further doses and consult with your treating doctor without much delay.
Intake of grapefruit or its juice can cause a sizable residue of silodosin (is key ingredients) inside your system. Hence, your dietitian may advise you to keep away from such foods – especially products made off grapefruit – while taking this drug. In the same vein, never take alcohol or products with a high level of alcohol in them. Combination of alcohol and this drug can make you dizzy. Elders – those aged above 55 years – may witness severe levels of drowsiness which may also lead to accidental falls.
In sum, silodosin is a widely used drug for treating an enlarged prostate. Key and active chemicals of this drug do not bring an enlarged prostate to its original shape and size; but, they can relax or ease your prostatic tissues and muscles. Such actions offer relief from problems like a weak flow of urine, need to urinate more often and also urgently as well as starting troubles faced while beginning to urinate.
In some men, intake of silodosin has triggered a very low blood pressure and other heart conditions such as faster heartbeats or erratic pulse rates. It is essential to tell the doctor of earlier spells of cardiac arrests or heart related ailments. Of all males, older men stay more vulnerable to such risks. If you notice a marked decrease in your blood pressure level coupled with sweating / palpitations, seek medical help on an urgent basis. Those living in the US need to dial 911 or can reach out to helplines of FDA for needful clinical help. On the other hand, if you are a resident of a Canadian province, establish contact with Health Canada or go to a poison control center.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
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