Дапоксетин

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Дапоксетин

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Дапоксетин

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Dapoxetine Hydrochloride
Form Film-coated tablets
Pharmacological class Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Common use Enhancing ejaculatory control
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Drug is Дапоксетин and Its Chemical Identity?

Дапоксетин (Dapoxetine) is a synthetic single-component pharmaceutical preparation classified as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). The active compound, Dapoxetine Hydrochloride, is recognized as a molecule developed specifically for its primary therapeutic application. Unlike other SSRIs initially aimed at depression, this substance is distinguished by its distinct pharmacokinetic profile, a feature noted in pharmacological literature for its suitability in on-demand treatment. The drug is characterized by its rapid disposition, including rapid absorption and fast elimination from the body.

Physical Form and General Therapeutic Purpose

Дапоксетин is consistently supplied as small film-coated tablets intended for oral administration to adult men typically between the ages of 18 and 64. The general therapeutic purpose of this urological medicine is to provide a specialized pharmacological intervention for managing ejaculatory function. Its action involves the potentiation of the neurotransmitter Serotonin activity by inhibiting its neuronal reuptake in key central nervous system areas. This mechanism provides a targeted tool intended to achieve ejaculatory delay, offering men improved control during sexual activity when administered prior to need. The compound possesses short-acting properties, supporting its use in improving patient outcomes in this context.

What side effects are possible with Дапоксетин?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of dapoxetine is based on classifications from regulatory bodies, detailing adverse reactions by frequency and physiological system affected.


Frequency and System Classification

Adverse effects are grouped into standard frequency categories. Common reactions (occurring in 1 to 10 in 100 users) primarily involve the Nervous System and Gastrointestinal tract, including Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, and Insomnia. Effects classified as Uncommon (1 to 10 in 1,000 users) include Syncope (fainting), Postural Dizziness, Palpitations, and Depression.


Serious Adverse Reactions and Key Safety Constraints

Syncope is a clinically significant adverse reaction that regulatory documentation notes may be associated with orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing). This risk is noted as potentially higher during the initial hours after the first dose or during dose increases.

Safety profiles define explicit constraints on use. The medication is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B and C) due to the risk of increased drug exposure. It is also contraindicated in individuals with a history of certain pathological cardiac conditions, such as heart failure (NYHA Class II–IV).

Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of the medication have not been established for older adults aged 65 years and over, leading to an official recommendation against use in this population.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with Dapoxetine is officially documented to present with symptoms characteristic of serotonin-mediated adverse reactions. These manifestations, which require immediate medical attention, include changes across several physiological systems. Documented clinical signs include neurological effects such as somnolence, agitation, and tremor. Cardiovascular involvement may present as tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and common gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting are also listed.

Immediate Medical Action Required

Due to the potential severity of these manifestations, official regulatory guidance mandates that patients seek medical advice and contact a doctor or pharmacist immediately following any known or suspected over-ingestion.

Overdose Management and Limitations

The regulatory prescribing information confirms that no specific antidotes are known for Dapoxetine. Therefore, management of an overdose relies entirely on the adoption of standard supportive measures as required by the patient’s clinical presentation. Furthermore, certain clearance methods are officially stated as being unlikely to be of benefit due to the drug’s high protein binding and distribution. These measures include procedures such as dialysis and forced diuresis. Specific population risks related to overdose severity in elderly or hepatically impaired patients are not uniquely detailed in the official overdose management summaries.

Therapeutic Uses of Дапоксетин

The primary therapeutic domain of this medication is applied in managing the condition of Premature Ejaculation (PE) in adult men aged 18 to 64 years. It is relevant for individuals with recurrent or episodic manifestations of rapid ejaculation, typically characterized by an Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time (IELT) of less than two minutes.

This medicine is used to address the key symptomatic cluster of PE, which includes difficulty in maintaining ejaculatory control, reduced timing, and the associated marked personal distress.

Relief and Functional Support

The treatment offers supportive relief that may assist with delaying ejaculation and contributes to maintaining a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable. By easing the symptom burden, the medication may assist with reducing the emotional fallout. This functional support addresses symptoms related to marked personal distress. This support may assist with maintaining functional stability related to sexual activity and may contribute to improved day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods.


Quick Fact: Relief for Psychosocial Distress Property Description
Primary Indication Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Main Symptom Difficulty in maintaining ejaculatory control
Key Benefit Supportive relief that assists with delaying ejaculation
Context of Use Managing recurrent or episodic manifestations

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The official regulatory guidelines establish strict population eligibility criteria for the use of Dapoxetine, focusing on age, sex, organ function, and pre-existing conditions.

Eligibility Scope

Category Regulatory Status
Approved Age Group Adult men aged 18 to 64 years only.
Pediatric/Geriatric Use Contraindicated for individuals under 18; not recommended for those 65 and over.
Sex Eligibility Contraindicated for all women, including during pregnancy and lactation.

Absolute Contraindications

Use of the medicine is contraindicated (prohibited) for populations with certain clinical histories or conditions:

  • Hepatic Impairment: Patients with moderate or severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class B and C).
  • Cardiovascular Conditions: Patients with significant pathological cardiac conditions, such as heart failure (NYHA class II-IV), certain conduction abnormalities (e.g., AV block or sick sinus syndrome), significant ischemic heart disease, or a history of syncope (fainting).
  • Psychiatric History: Patients with a history of mania or severe depression.
  • Concomitant Treatment: Patients using Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, or other serotonergic agents that are not permitted for co-administration.

Restricted and Conditional Use

Use is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (kidney damage). Caution is advised for those with mild or moderate renal impairment, or a history of orthostatic reaction.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of Dapoxetine is determined by its metabolic pathways and the risk of synergistic pharmacodynamic effects.

Contraindicated Combinations

Dapoxetine must not be used concurrently with: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Thioridazine, and Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir). Co-administration with other Serotonergic Agents (including SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, Tramadol, and St. John's Wort) is also contraindicated due to the risk of Serotonin Syndrome.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Risks

Interaction Type Interacting Agent Class Required Action/Constraint
PK (Metabolism) Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Dose is limited to a maximum of 30 mg.
PD (Hypotension) PDE5 Inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil), Alpha-Blockers Use with caution due to increased risk of orthostatic hypotension.
PD (CNS/Sedation) Alcohol or CNS active agents Concurrent use is avoided due to the potential to enhance neurocognitive and neurocardiogenic adverse effects.

Timing Requirements

To prevent serious interactions, a washout period is mandatory when switching to or from MAOIs or Thioridazine. A period of 14 days must elapse after stopping the interacting drug before initiating Dapoxetine, and 7 days must elapse after stopping Dapoxetine before initiating the interacting drug.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action for Dapoxetine is entirely central nervous system (CNS)-driven, focusing on the Serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitter system to modulate the excitability of a specific motor reflex.


Amplifying Central Inhibitory Signals

The drug functions as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) by blocking the Serotonin Transporter (SERT). This action immediately increases the concentration of 5-HT in the synaptic clefts, particularly in key supraspinal areas such as the Lateral Paragigantocellular Nucleus (LPGi). The resulting potentiation of 5-HT signaling enhances the concentration of inhibitory neurotransmission that descends from the brain.


Elevating the Spinal Reflex Threshold

This enhanced Serotonin signal, primarily mediated by postsynaptic inhibitory 5 -HT2 C receptors, is delivered to the Spinal Ejaculatory Generator. By increasing the inhibitory signal delivered to this reflex center, the drug effectively raises the excitation threshold required to trigger the motor and autonomic sequence of the reflex. This core physiological change contributes to a reduction in the excitability of the reflex arc, which alters the timing and coordination of the motor and autonomic reflex sequence.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Дапоксетин

This section outlines the standardized usage protocols for Дапоксетин (Dapoxetine).


Official Dosing and Administration Protocol

Instruction Area Protocol
Route of Administration For oral use only.
Recommended Starting Dose 30 mg, taken as needed.
Maximum Dose and Frequency The maximum recommended dose is 60 mg. It must not be taken more frequently than once every 24 hours.
Timing The tablet must be taken approximately 1 to 3 hours prior to anticipated sexual activity.

Administration Conditions and Adjustments

Дапоксетин is intended for 'on-demand' use and not for continuous daily administration. The tablet should be swallowed whole with at least one full glass of water, and it can be taken with or without food.

Dose Escalation: Treatment must not be initiated at 60 mg. The dose may only be increased to 60 mg if the 30 mg dose is insufficient and the patient has not experienced moderate or severe adverse reactions.

Population Restrictions: Use is not recommended in men aged 65 years and over, as efficacy and safety are not established in this group. The medicine is contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (liver problems).

Clinical Re-evaluation

Clinical supervision is required for continued use. A formal assessment of the individual benefit-risk profile is performed after the first 4 weeks of treatment (or at least after 6 doses) and then every six months to determine the need for continuing the medication.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for use in Premature Ejaculation (PE)

Research exploring the use of Дапоксетин was mainly studied in men with Premature Ejaculation (PE), a condition characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations. This evidence base primarily consists of many large, well-designed Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials (RCTs), along with Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses that pool data from these individual studies. This approach was used to explore how symptoms evolved in the observed populations under controlled conditions.

These short-term studies were designed to examine symptom intensity or variability. They focused on two main types of outcomes. One type was the objective measure of timing, such as the Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency Time (IELT). The other type included patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and overall experience, using standardized scales like the Premature Ejaculation Profile (PEP) and the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC).

Findings describe patterns measured during the study period when compared to those receiving a placebo. It is important to note that the studies also reported a significant pattern of change in outcomes for participants who were given the placebo, a finding that is characteristic of research in this area and contributes to the broader evidence landscape.

Study Endpoints and Measures Examined

Researchers monitored outcomes related to functional imbalance and outcomes describing episodic changes. Researchers focused on measuring the change in the IELT, which was studied as the primary objective measure in the research. These studies also monitored the evolution of perceived control over ejaculation and the impact of the condition on personal distress and interpersonal difficulty, which are key subjective outcomes relevant in trials assessing short-term or episodic symptom patterns.


Long-Term Studies and Follow-up Evidence

Most of the core evidence provided to regulators was observed in studies designed to explore short-term symptom changes, typically lasting 12 to 24 weeks. While this research provides context on initial responses, there is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding the sustained use of Дапоксетин.

What Remains Uncertain in the Research Landscape

One key area of uncertainty is the limited information for long-term outcomes, as the core body of evidence focuses on short-term changes over defined observation periods. Furthermore, while research examined the drug against a placebo, comparative evidence is lacking regarding the presence of studies against other non-pharmacological interventions or other drug classes in controlled settings. Research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly to the group patterns reported in these studies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Дапоксетин (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Дапоксетин start to work after taking it?

A: Official pharmacokinetic data show that the maximum concentration of the medicine in the bloodstream is reached approximately one to two hours after it is taken. This rapid absorption profile is why the medicine is generally taken 1 to 3 hours before anticipated sexual activity.


Q: What is the expected duration of effect after taking a dose?

A: The medicine is designed to be quickly absorbed and quickly eliminated from the body. Official data indicate a short elimination half-life, typically around 1.5 to 1.6 hours. This short-acting property makes it suitable for 'on-demand' use, rather than continuous daily dosing.


Q: What if I don't feel any effect after the first time taking Дапоксетин?

A: If the initial starting dose is not sufficient to produce a positive effect, a higher dose may be considered by a healthcare professional at the next dosing time. Clinical guidelines state that the dose may be increased, provided that moderate or severe adverse reactions, such as signs of fainting, have not occurred.


Q: Is Дапоксетин used for any other conditions besides PE?

A: The official therapeutic indication for this medicine is strictly the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) in adult men aged 18 to 64 years. Official regulatory bodies have not approved its use for any other medical conditions.


Q: Does Дапоксетин affect libido or sexual desire?

A: Yes, official product information indicates that decreased libido, or a reduction in sexual desire, has been reported as an adverse reaction in clinical studies. This effect is generally classified as uncommon.


Q: Will taking Дапоксетин change the feeling of orgasm?

A: The medicine is documented to decrease libido. Although the medicine is fast-acting, other medications in the same class (SSRIs) have been associated with changes in sexual function, such as delayed ejaculation or anorgasmia.


Q: Is it possible to develop a tolerance to Дапоксетин over time?

A: Official research primarily studied the effects of the medicine over short-term periods, typically up to 24 weeks. Because long-term data is limited, regulators acknowledge that tolerance or a decreasing response has been suggested with some SSRIs after 6 to 12 months of use.


Q: Do I need a prescription to get Дапоксетин?

A: Yes, official regulatory agencies classify this medicine as a prescription only medicine (POM) in regulated markets. It cannot be legally dispensed without a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.


Q: Does Дапоксетин cause withdrawal symptoms if I stop using it?

A: Like other medicines in the SSRI class, regulatory documents advise that abruptly stopping treatment is generally not appropriate. Official warnings note that symptoms such as dizziness, sleep disturbance, nausea, or headache may occur when the medicine is discontinued.


Q: What should I do if a side effect feels too strong or lasts too long?

A: Official patient information states that immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms such as fainting occur, or if a side effect is severe or causes serious concern, requiring the cessation of the medicine. This ensures compliance with regulatory safety requirements.


Q: Is it safe to drive after taking Дапоксетин?

A: The medicine has a minor to moderate influence on the ability to safely drive and use machinery. The regulatory label cautions against driving or operating hazardous machinery due to potential side effects that may impair attention, such as dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision.


Q: Are allergic reactions to Дапоксетин common?

A: Official regulatory documents state that hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active substance or any of its ingredients is a formal contraindication. This means the medicine is not intended for use by individuals with a known allergy.


Q: Can Дапоксетин be taken with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

A: Official warnings indicate that taking this medicine with certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may increase the risk of bleeding abnormalities.


Q: Does Дапоксетин interact with grapefruit or grapefruit juice?

A: Official patient information states that grapefruit juice should be avoided within 24 hours prior to taking the medicine. This precaution is necessary because grapefruit juice may increase the amount of the medicine absorbed into the body.


Q: Are there any foods or supplements that interact with Дапоксетин?

A: The medicine can be taken with or without food. However, the label indicates that certain substances, including grapefruit juice and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort, are known to interact and are contraindicated for use.


Q: Does Дапоксетин interact with herbal remedies?

A: Yes, official documents explicitly contraindicate herbal supplements that increase serotonin, such as St. John's Wort. Using this type of remedy with the medicine carries a risk of a serious drug reaction called Serotonin Syndrome.


Q: What are the signs of a serious side effect from Дапоксетин?

A: Regulatory warnings describe prodromal symptoms that often precede serious effects like fainting (Syncope). These symptoms include nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, confusion, and palpitations.


Q: Is there a maximum number of times per month I can take Дапоксетин?

A: The maximum allowed frequency for this medicine is once every 24 hours. Official guidelines require a healthcare professional to formally re-evaluate the need for continued treatment after the first six doses or four weeks.

How should Дапоксетин be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Dapoxetine

The storage and disposal of Dapoxetine are governed by specific regulatory requirements to maintain product integrity and ensure safety.


Storage Conditions

Dapoxetine tablets must be stored at a temperature below 30 C. To protect the medicine from both light and moisture, it must remain in its original blister packaging until the moment of use. A mandatory safety instruction requires that the product be kept out of the sight and reach of children at all times.


Disposal Instructions

Any unused or expired Dapoxetine, along with associated waste material, must be disposed of according to local requirements. This instruction ensures compliance with established pharmaceutical waste management protocols.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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