New drug for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia now available

CORONA, Calif. A new drug for treating the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia has become available.

Watson Pharmaceuticals announced Tuesday the availability of Rapaflo (silodosin), which the Food and Drug Administration approved in October. In clinical trials, Rapaflo was found to increase urine flow two to six hours after the initial dose, the company said.

“The launch of Rapaflo is an important milestone and, coupled with the forthcoming launch of Gelnique, marks the continued strength and expansion of Watson’s Brand Division and urology franchise,” Watson president and CEO Paul Bisaro said in a statement.

Gelnique, for treating overactive bladder, is known chemically as oxybutynin chloride. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is also known as enlarged prostate.