Alphacept 8 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET

ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET, manufactured by Lupin Ltd., is a medication primarily used in men for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate gland. This medicine helps alleviate the associated lower urinary tract symptoms without shrinking the prostate.

Name

• Brand Name: ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Silodosin (as the active ingredient)

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Each tablet contains Silodosin 8 mg.

Uses ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET is prescribed for the management of symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men. It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate, bladder, and urethra, which helps to improve urine flow. Symptoms it helps to relieve include:

• Difficulty in initiating urination.
• Weak urine stream.
• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia).
• Urinary urgency and dribbling.
• Incomplete bladder emptying.

Dosage and Administration

• The recommended dosage for adults is typically one 8 mg tablet once daily.
• It should be taken after a meal, preferably at the same time each day to ensure consistent effects and minimize side effects.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it's close to the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Do not double up on doses.

Side Effects Common side effects may include:

• Ejaculation disorders (retrograde ejaculation, characterized by reduced or no semen during orgasm).
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up (orthostatic hypotension).
• Diarrhoea.
• Stuffy nose (nasal congestion) or nasopharyngitis.
• Headache.
• Fatigue or insomnia. Most of these side effects are usually temporary and resolve over time. However, if they persist or worsen, consult a doctor.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET if you are allergic to Silodosin or any of its components.
• Low Blood Pressure: Inform your doctor if you have a history of low blood pressure, as this medicine can further lower it, especially upon standing.
• Liver and Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease. Dose adjustments and regular monitoring may be required. It is contraindicated in severe kidney or liver disease.
• Eye Surgery: Inform your eye doctor about ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET usage if you are scheduled for cataract or glaucoma surgery, as it can lead to Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS).
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all current medications, supplements, or herbal products, especially medicines for fungal infections (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), erectile dysfunction (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil), heart diseases, and antiviral medicines, as interactions can occur.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it can increase dizziness and other side effects.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or visual disturbances.
• Women and Children: This medicine is not intended for use in women, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in children.

Storage

• Store ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET in a cool and dry place, ideally below 30°C.
• Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.
• Do not use the medicine beyond its expiry date.

ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET contains Silodosin, an alpha-blocker medication primarily used to manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men.

Here are some frequently asked questions about ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET:

What is ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET used for?

ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET is used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, in adult men. It helps relieve lower urinary tract symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream, frequent or urgent need to urinate, nighttime urination (nocturia), and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

How does ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET work?

ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET contains Silodosin, which belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-1 blockers. It works by selectively blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors located in the prostate, bladder base, bladder neck, and prostatic urethra. This action relaxes the smooth muscles in these areas, which improves urine flow and reduces BPH symptoms, making it easier to urinate.

What is the usual dosage for ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET?

The typical recommended dosage for ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET is one 8 mg capsule taken once daily with a meal. It is important to take the medicine at the same time each day. If you have moderate kidney impairment, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of 4 mg once daily. For severe kidney or liver impairment, this medication is generally not recommended or is contraindicated.

What are the possible side effects of ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET?

Common side effects of ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET include dizziness, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up, which can cause lightheadedness or fainting), retrograde ejaculation (orgasm with reduced or no semen), headache, diarrhea, and a stuffy or runny nose (nasal congestion). Many side effects are mild and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Is ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET is intended for use in adult men only and is not indicated for women. Therefore, it is not applicable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Can ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET can interact with several other medications. It should not be taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) and some HIV medications (e.g., ritonavir, atazanavir, clarithromycin), as these can significantly increase silodosin levels in the body and the risk of side effects. Concomitant use with other alpha-blockers or blood pressure medications can increase the risk of low blood pressure and dizziness. Additionally, taking it with erectile dysfunction drugs (PDE5 inhibitors) like sildenafil or tadalafil can also increase the risk of low blood pressure. You should also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can increase silodosin levels. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while using ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET?

It's important to be cautious of dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position, as this medication can lower blood pressure. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Inform your eye doctor if you are taking or have recently taken silodosin, especially if you are scheduled for cataract surgery, as it can cause a condition called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS). Discuss any history of kidney disease, liver disease, or low blood pressure with your doctor before starting this medication. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption as it can worsen dizziness.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember, with a meal. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double or extra dose to make up for a missed one.

How should ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET be stored?

Store ALPHACEPT 8 MG TABLET in a closed container at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect the medicine from light and moisture, and keep the container tightly closed. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.