Dapoxetine

• Generic name: Dapoxetine (usually supplied as Dapoxetine Hydrochloride)
• Drug class: Short-acting Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) developed specifically for on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).
• Primary indication: On-demand treatment of premature ejaculation in adult men aged 18 to 64, when diagnostic criteria for PE are met (including IELT less than 2 minutes and clinically significant distress).
• Common brands: Priligy (originator brand in many markets), plus multiple generic brands in India and other regions.
• Chemical structure and classification: Dapoxetine Hydrochloride has a different molecular formula and molecular weight than the dapoxetine base. If you want to publish chemistry details, use the Hydrochloride values (since most tablets are the HCl salt).
• Chemical family: Phenylpropylamine derivative (commonly described as such in chemistry references).
• Pharmacokinetics: Dapoxetine is designed for on-demand use because it reaches peak levels quickly and clears relatively fast compared with daily SSRIs used for depression.

Key PK points

• Time to peak concentration: typically within about 1 to 3 hours

• Duration of effect window: commonly described as several hours for on-demand use (often framed as around 4 to 6 hours in patient-facing content)

• Metabolism: primarily hepatic, including CYP3A4 pathways; this is why strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are contraindicated

Discovery and development

Dapoxetine was investigated originally in other CNS contexts, and later developed specifically for premature ejaculation as an on-demand SSRI due to its rapid onset and short-acting profile.

Regulatory status and availability

• Dapoxetine is approved and marketed in multiple countries as a prescription medicine for PE.

• It is not FDA-approved in the United States (so avoid writing FDA-approved for PE in the US).

Tip for your content: instead of stating an exact number of countries (which changes over time), write approved in multiple countries worldwide and not FDA-approved in the US.

What Dapoxetine is used for

Types of PE where it may be prescribed

• Lifelong PE

• Acquired PE

• Situational PE

(Clinically, it should be prescribed only when the patient meets PE diagnostic criteria and has significant distress/impact.)

Mechanism of action

Central serotonergic pathways influence ejaculation. Dapoxetine inhibits serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin signaling and strengthening inhibitory control over the ejaculatory reflex, helping delay ejaculation during sexual activity.

How to take Dapoxetine

Typical on-demand dosing (general medical labeling language)

• Starting dose: 30 mg taken as needed about 1 to 3 hours before sexual activity

• If response is insufficient and well tolerated, may increase to a maximum of 60 mg as needed

• Max frequency: no more than once every 24 hours

• Not intended for continuous daily use

Key benefits patients report in studies and practice

• Improved perceived control over ejaculation

• Increased ejaculation latency time compared with baseline/placebo

• Reduced distress and improved sexual satisfaction

Keep claims conservative (avoid promising exact minutes for every user).

Side effects

Common

• Nausea

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Insomnia

Important, serious risks to mention responsibly

• Syncope (fainting), especially around the first few doses and within hours after dosing

• Serotonin syndrome risk if combined with serotonergic drugs

• Palpitations or heart rhythm concerns in susceptible patients

Safety and precautions

Who should not use (common contraindication themes from labeling)

• Significant cardiac disease or history of syncope

• Concomitant use with MAOIs, other SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs, thioridazine, or other serotonergic agents

• Concomitant potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (examples include ketoconazole, ritonavir, etc.)

• Moderate to severe hepatic impairment

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol with dapoxetine due to increased risk of neurocognitive effects and syncope.

Combining with ED medicines

Some clinicians may prescribe dapoxetine with PDE5 inhibitors for men who have both PE and ED. Still, your public-facing content should frame this as only under medical supervision, because it can raise side-effect risks (for example, dizziness or low blood pressure), and some labels advise caution.

Clean FAQ (SEO-friendly)

How long does Dapoxetine take to work

Commonly taken 1 to 3 hours before sexual activity.

How often can I take Dapoxetine

Not more than once in 24 hours.

Is Dapoxetine for daily use

No, it is designed for on-demand dosing, not continuous daily use.

Is Dapoxetine FDA-approved in the US

No,