Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Quick facts
- Drug class
- alpha-Adrenergic Blocker [EPC], Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists [MoA]
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 809477
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
Silodosin capsules, an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Silodosin capsule is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension. ( 1 ) Silodosin capsule, a selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) [see CLINICAL STUDIES ( 14 )] . Silodosin capsule is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension.
About this medicine
Silodosin capsule is a selective antagonist of alpha-1 adrenoreceptors. The chemical name of silodosin is 1-(3-Hydroxypropyl)-5-[(2 R )-2-({2-[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenoxy]ethyl}amino) propyl]-2,3-dihydro-1 H -indole-7-carboxamide and the molecular formula is C 25 H 32 F 3 N 3 O 4 with a molecular weight of 495.53. The structural formula of silodosin is: Silodosin is a white to pale yellowish white powder that melts at approximately 105°C to 109°C. It is freely soluble in acetic acid, freely soluble in alcohol, and insoluble in water. Each Silodosin 8 mg capsule for oral administration contains 8 mg silodosin, and the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate, mannitol and sodium lauryl sulfate. The size #1 hard gelatin capsules contain gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide. The capsules are printed with edible ink containing FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, propylene glycol, shellac, titanium dioxide and yellow iron oxide. Each Silodosin 4 mg capsule for oral administration contains 4 mg silodosin, and the following inactive ingredients: magnesium stearate, mannitol and sodium lauryl sulfate. The size #3 hard gelatin capsules contain gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide. The capsules are printed with edible ink containing propylene glycol, shellac and yellow iron oxide. Silodosin
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Silodosin is a selective antagonist of post-synaptic alpha-1 adrenoreceptors, which are located in the human prostate, bladder base, bladder neck, prostatic capsule, and prostatic urethra. Blockade of these alpha-1 adrenoreceptors can cause smooth muscle in these tissues to relax, resulting in an improvement in urine flow and a reduction in BPH symptoms. An in vitro study examining binding affinity of silodosin to the three subtypes of the alpha-1 adrenoreceptors (alpha-1A, alpha-1B, and alpha-1D) was conducted. The results of the study demonstrated that silodosin binds with high affinity to the alpha-1A subtype.
Who should not take it
Patients with severe renal impairment [Creatinine Clearance (CCr < 30 mL/min)]. ( 4 ) Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥ 10). ( 4 ) Concomitant administration with strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ritonavir). ( 4 ) Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to silodosin or any of the ingredients of silodosin capsules. ( 4 ) Severe renal impairment (CCr < 30 mL/min) Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥ 10) Concomitant administration with strong Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ritonavir) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS ( 7.1 )] Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to silodosin or any of the ingredients of silodosin capsules [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ( 6.2 ) and DESCRIPTION ( 11 )]
Warnings and cautions
Postural hypotension, with or without symptoms (e.g., dizziness), may develop when beginning silodosin treatment. ( 5.1 ) In patients with moderate renal impairment, silodosin dose should be reduced to 4 mg once daily. ( 5.2 ) Silodosin should not be used in combination with other alpha-blockers. ( 5.5 ) Examine patients thought to have BPH prior to starting therapy with silodosin to rule out the presence of carcinoma of the prostate. ( 5.6 ) Inform patients planning cataract surgery to notify their ophthalmologist that they are taking silodosin because of the possibility of Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Orthostatic Effects Postural hypotension, with or without symptoms (e.g., dizziness) may develop when beginning silodosin treatment. As with other alpha-blockers, there is potential for syncope. Patients should be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous tasks when initiating therapy [ see ADVERSE REACTIONS ( 6 ), USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS ( 8.5 ), CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.2 ), and PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION ( 17 ) ] . 5.2 Renal Impairment In a clinical pharmacology study, plasma concentrations (AUC and C max ) of silodosin were approximately three times higher in subjects with moderate renal impairment compared with subjects with normal renal function, while half-lives of silodosin doubled in duration. The dose of silodosin should be reduced to 4 mg in patients with moderate renal impairment. Exercise caution and monitor such patients for adverse events [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS ( 8.6 ) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )] . Silodosin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment [see CONTRAINDICATIONS ( 4 )]. 5.3 Hepatic Impairment Silodosin has not been tested in patients with severe hepatic impairment, and therefore, should not be prescribed to such patients [see CONTRAINDICATIONS ( 4 ), USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS ( 8.7 ) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )] . […]
Reported side effects
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 2%) are retrograde ejaculation, dizziness, diarrhea, orthostatic hypotension, headache, nasopharyngitis, and nasal congestion. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-399-2561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In U.S. clinical trials, 897 patients with BPH were exposed to 8 mg silodosin daily. This includes 486 patients exposed for 6 months and 168 patients exposed for 1 year. The population was 44 years to 87 years of age, and predominantly Caucasian. Of these patients, 42.8% were 65 years of age or older and 10.7% were 75 years of age or older. In double-blind, placebo controlled, 12-week clinical trials, 466 patients were administered silodosin and 457 patients were administered placebo. At least one treatment-emergent adverse reaction was reported by 55.2% of silodosin treated patients (36.8% for placebo treated). The majority (72.1%) of adverse reactions for the silodosin treated patients (59.8% for placebo treated) were qualified by the investigator as mild. A total of 6.4% of silodosin treated patients (2.2% for placebo treated) discontinued therapy due to an adverse reaction (treatment-emergent), the most common reaction being retrograde ejaculation (2.8%) for silodosin treated patients. Retrograde ejaculation is reversible upon discontinuation of treatment. Adverse Reactions Observed in at Least 2% of Patients: The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse reactions listed in the following table were derived from two 12-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies of silodosin 8 mg daily in BPH patients. Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of patients treated with silodosin and more frequently than with placebo are shown in Table 1. […]
Interactions with other medicines
Strong P-glycoprotein inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine): Co-administration may increase plasma silodosin concentration. Concomitant use is not recommended. ( 7.2 ) Alpha-blockers: Interactions involving concomitant use have not been determined. However, interactions are expected and concomitant use is not recommended. ( 7.3 ) Concomitant use of PDE5 inhibitors with alpha-blockers including silodosin can potentially cause symptomatic hypotension. ( 5.5 , 7.5 ) 7.1 Moderate and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors In a clinical metabolic inhibition study, a 3.8-fold increase in silodosin maximum plasma concentrations and 3.2-fold increase in silodosin exposure were observed with concurrent administration of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, 400 mg ketoconazole. Use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole or ritonavir may cause plasma concentrations of silodosin to increase. Concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and silodosin is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS ( 4 ), WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.4 ) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )]. The effect of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors on the pharmacokinetics of silodosin has not been evaluated. Concomitant administration with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., diltiazem, erythromycin, verapamil) may increase concentration of silodosin. Exercise caution and monitor patients for adverse events when co-administering silodosin with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. 7.2 Strong P-glycoprotein (P-gp) Inhibitors In vitro studies indicated that silodosin is a P-gp substrate. Ketoconazole, a CYP3A4 inhibitor that also inhibits P-gp, caused significant increase in exposure to silodosin. Inhibition of P-gp may lead to increased silodosin concentration. Silodosin is therefore not recommended in patients taking strong P-gp inhibitors such as cyclosporine [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 ) ]. 7.3 Alpha-Blockers The pharmacodynamic interactions between silodosin and other alpha-blockers have not been determined. However, interactions may be expected, and silodosin should not be used in combination with other alpha-blockers [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.5 )] . […]
Use in specific groups
Renal impairment: Dose adjustment in moderate disease ( 2.2 ). Contraindicated in severe renal disease. ( 4 ) Hepatic impairment: Contraindicated in severe disease. ( 4 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Silodosin is not indicated for use in females. 8.2 Lactation Silodosin is not indicated for use in females. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility Males Possible effects on male fertility could be observed based on findings in rats at exposures that were at least two times higher than at the MRHD (based on AUC). These findings may be reversible, and the clinical relevance is unknown [see NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY (13.1)]. 8.4 Pediatric Use Silodosin is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use In double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week clinical studies of silodosin, 259 (55.6%) were under 65 years of age, 207 (44.4%) patients were 65 years of age and over, while 60 (12.9%) patients were 75 years of age and over. Orthostatic hypotension was reported in 2.3% of silodosin patients < 65 years of age (1.2% for placebo), 2.9% of silodosin patients ≥ 65 years of age (1.9% for placebo), and 5.0% of patients ≥ 75 years of age (0% for placebo). There were otherwise no significant differences in safety or effectiveness between older and younger patients [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )] . 8.6 Renal Impairment The effect of renal impairment on silodosin pharmacokinetics was evaluated in a single dose study of six male patients with moderate renal impairment and seven male subjects with normal renal function. Plasma concentrations of silodosin were approximately three times higher in subjects with moderate renal impairment compared with subjects with normal renal function. Silodosin should be reduced to 4 mg per day in patients with moderate renal impairment. Exercise caution and monitor patients for adverse events. Silodosin has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment. Silodosin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment [see CONTRAINDICATIONS ( 4 ), WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.2 ) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )]. […]
If too much is taken
Silodosin was evaluated at doses of up to 48 mg/day in healthy male subjects. The dose-limiting adverse event was postural hypotension. Should overdose of silodosin lead to hypotension, support of the cardiovascular system is of first importance. Restoration of blood pressure and normalization of heart rate may be accomplished by maintaining the patient in the supine position. If this measure is inadequate, administration of intravenous fluid should be considered. If necessary, vasopressors could be used, and renal function should be monitored and supported as needed. Dialysis is unlikely to be of significant benefit since silodosin is highly (97%) protein bound.
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This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 7 October 2025. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.