Rapaflo OK'd to treat enlarged prostate

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Rapaflo (silodosin) capsules for the treatment of symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

"Benign prostatic hyperplasia (also known as an enlarged prostate gland) can seriously impact the quality of life of men as they age," said George Benson, deputy director of the FDA's division of reproductive and urological products. "This product will provide another treatment option for men suffering symptoms of an enlarged prostate."

The drug will be available in a once-daily capsule, the FDA said, noting Rapaflo is not recommended for men with severe kidney (renal) or liver (hepatic) impairment and is not approved for pediatric use.

Rapaflo is manufactured by Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Corona, Calif., and will be distributed by Watson Pharma Inc. under license from Kissei Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. of Nagano, Japan.