Dapoxetine

Key points

• Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) listed for premature ejaculation in men aged 18 to 64.
• It may cause fainting or dizziness, and alcohol increases that risk, so avoid drinking while taking it.
• Not suitable if you have moderate or severe liver problems.
• Four of the six products here combine dapoxetine with a PDE5 inhibitor (tadalafil, sildenafil or vardenafil); Poxet and Duratia carry dapoxetine alone.

How does Dapoxetine work?

Dapoxetine blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, raising the level available between nerve cells. Higher serotonin activity slows the reflex that triggers ejaculation, which is the basis for its use in premature ejaculation.

Unlike SSRIs used for depression, dapoxetine is absorbed and cleared quickly. It is designed for on-demand use rather than a daily course. That short-acting profile separates it from the antidepressant SSRIs you may have heard of.

Brands and forms in this catalogue

Poxet (60 mg, Sunrise Remedies) and Duratia (30, 60 and 90 mg, Fortune Healthcare) are the single-ingredient dapoxetine lines. Duratia is the only product here that spans three strengths, which gives a prescriber room to start low and adjust.

The remaining four products pair dapoxetine with a second active ingredient for erectile dysfunction: Tadapox and Super Vilitra (both 20 mg + 60 mg, from Centurion Laboratories and Sunrise Remedies respectively) add tadalafil or vardenafil, while Cenforce-d (100 mg + 60 mg) and Extra Super P-force (100 mg + 100 mg) add sildenafil. Extra Super P-force is the only product on this shelf where both halves sit at 100 mg.

All six are tablets. For more on the condition these products address, see the premature ejaculation category.

Further reading

• Priligy Article 29 referral, Annex III: Summary of Product Characteristics, Labelling and Package Leaflet
• Priligy - referral | European Medicines Agency (EMA)