Manufacturer: Cipla, India
Pharmaceutical name: Silodosin
Pack: 30 pills (8 mg)
Silofast pills are utilized to manage the functional symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men who have an enlarged prostate gland. Silofast alleviates urinary retention symptoms caused by restricted urine flow due to the prostate's enlargement pressing against the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). This facilitates easier urine flow, prevents urine buildup in the bladder, restores bladder control, and mitigates issues such as frequent urination, difficulty fully emptying the bladder, strain, and challenges in urination. Silofast enhances urine flow and diminishes symptoms, potentially decreasing the need for surgery.
Silofast contains Silodosin, which is an alpha1-blocker (also recognized as an alpha-adrenergic antagonist) that selectively binds with high affinity to the alpha adrenergic receptors found in the smooth muscle of the prostate gland. When Silodosin binds, it obstructs the action of naturally occurring adrenergic substances like noradrenaline, leading to the contraction and tightening of smooth muscle cells. BPH arises from the overgrowth of these smooth muscle cells in the prostate gland and increased muscle tone. The Silodosin in Silofast relaxes these muscle cells, alleviating the pressure from the enlarged prostate on the urethra and also relaxing the muscle cells at the bladder's neck.
Silodosin's action in Silofast effectively eliminates the blockage to urine flow caused by the prostate gland, allowing urine to flow more freely through the urethra; it also relaxes the bladder neck, which facilitates easier passage of urine from the bladder. Silofast pills are designed for modified release, meaning that the absorption rate of the active ingredient Silodosin into the bloodstream is controlled, and you only need to take one capsule per day.
Potential side effects include: dizziness, headache, abnormal ejaculation, weakness (asthenia), postural hypotension (dizziness upon standing), and palpitations.