Efficacy and safety of dapoxetine in men with premature ejaculation and concomitant erectile dysfunction treated with a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor: randomized, placebo-controlled, phase III study

Some of the views expressed in the following notes on newly approved products should be regarded as preliminary, as there may have been limited published data at the time of publication, and little experience in Australia of their safety or efficacy. However, the Editorial Executive Committee believes that comments made in good faith at an early stage may still be of value. Before new drugs are prescribed, the Committee believes it is important that more detailed information is obtained from the manufacturer's approved product information, a drug information centre or some other appropriate source. Premature ejaculation (PE) is often reduced to a number how many minutes intercourse lasts. But for most men, the real issue is not the stopwatch. Clinically, PE is usually divided into sildenafil dapoxetine tablets two types: lifelong (present since first sexual experiences) and acquired (developing later after a period of normal control).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dapoxetine, a short-acting SSRI, is the first drug to be marketed for premature ejaculation. After oral administration, peak plasma concentrations of dapoxetine are reached after an hour. Elimination is relatively rapid and the terminal half-life is approximately 19 hours. There have been several randomised controlled trials of dapoxetine for premature ejaculation.1-6 The primary outcome for most of the trials was ‘intravaginal ejaculatory latency time’ measured by the partner using a stopwatch. An analysis of two trials,1 in which 2614 men (aged 18–77 years) were randomised to dapoxetine (30 mg or 60 mg) or placebo (all taken 1–3 hours before intercourse), found that dapoxetine increased intravaginal ejaculatory latency time significantly more than placebo.

Common side effects of Dapoxetine

At baseline, men were required to have an intravaginal ejaculatory latency time of 2 minutes or less at least 75% of the time. After 12 weeks, 29% of men taking the 30 mg dose and 34% taking the 60 mg dose had a latency time of 3 minutes or more. This was compared to only 14% of men taking placebo. Men taking dapoxetine perceived that they had better control of ejaculation and were more satisfied with their sexual performance than those taking placebo. In another trial, dapoxetine (60 mg) was compared to paroxetine (20 mg), another SSRI, in 340 men (aged 22–48 years) with premature ejaculation. Lifelong PE is often linked to biological sensitivity of the ejaculation reflex. Acquired PE may be connected to stress, anxiety, erectile dysfunction, prostatitis, or relationship factors. Dapoxetine was developed specifically for this condition. It is a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Unlike antidepressants such as escitalopram or sertraline, which are taken daily, dapoxetine is designed to be taken only when needed — usually one to three hours before sexual activity. Serotonin plays a role in delaying ejaculation. By temporarily increasing serotonin levels in the brain, dapoxetine can slow the ejaculation reflex. Because it is absorbed quickly and cleared relatively quickly, it does not require daily use and does not build up in the body over weeks like traditional antidepressants. So who is this format suitable for? It is most appropriate for men with lifelong premature ejaculation who want a medication that works only at the time of sexual activity.

Types of Dosage Available

Treatments were taken each day divided into two doses. After 12 weeks, intravaginal ejaculatory latency times had increased from 38 to 179 seconds for dapoxetine, from 31 seconds to 370 seconds for paroxetine, and from 34 to 55 seconds for placebo. More men reported sexual satisfaction with dapoxetine and paroxetine than with placebo (66% vs 78% vs 16%). A similar trend in sexual satisfaction was seen with partners who were interviewed independently of their husband. Eleven men dropped out because of lack of efficacy – 3/104 with dapoxetine, 2/105 with paroxetine and 6/100 with placebo.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors

The timing of dosing in relation to sexual intercourse was not described in this trial.6 During the trials, nausea (11%), headache (5.6%), diarrhoea (3.5%), somnolence (3.1%) and dizziness (5.8%) were more commonly reported with dapoxetine 30 mg than with placebo. These events were dose-related – all of them were more frequent with the 60 mg dapoxetine dose. Nausea and dizziness were the most common reasons for discontinuation with dapoxetine 30 mg. Because of the increased risk of adverse events, patients should be warned to take no more than one tablet in a 24-hour period. Sexual adverse effects including erectile dysfunction, abnormal ejaculation and decreased libido were more common with dapoxetine than placebo. It may also appeal to men who prefer not to take a daily drug or who are concerned about long-term exposure to antidepressants. It can be helpful for men who feel that they lose control almost immediately after penetration and experience frustration, embarrassment, or avoidance of intimacy as a result. For these individuals, even a modest increase in time can feel meaningful.

Benefits of Dapoxetine

These occurred in 2.9% of patients taking dapoxetine 30 mg and 3.8% taking dapoxetine 60 mg versus 1.5% of patients taking placebo.1 Postural hypotension occurred in some patients and caution is urged with concomitant use of vasodilators such as alpha blockers, nitrates and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. Syncope has been reported with dapoxetine and appeared to be dose-related (0.05% with placebo, 0.06% with 30 mg and 0.23% with 60 mg dose). Possible prodromal symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and light-headedness were also more common with dapoxetine than with placebo. Patients should be warned about this risk and advised to maintain adequate hydration and avoid alcohol. Dapoxetine is metabolised by enzymes in the liver and kidneys, in particular cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and 3A4.

The role of tyrosine hydroxylase within dapoxetine-assisted therapy against premature ejaculation

It also moderately inhibits CYP 2D6 and weakly induces CYP 3A4 so numerous interactions are expected. Poor CYP 2D6 metabolisers may be at increased risk of adverse events. Concomitant treatment with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and ritonavir is contraindicated. Dapoxetine is also contraindicated with antidepressants including monoamine oxidase inhibitors, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclics and other drugs with serotonergic effects (tramadol, St John’s wort and lithium). Dapoxetine should not be taken in combination with recreational drugs such as ketamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) because of the potential risk of serious adverse events including arrhythmia, hyperthermia and serotonin syndrome. It does not permanently retrain the body. It increases what doctors call intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), often by two to three times baseline in clinical studies. For someone whose baseline time is 30 seconds, that might mean one to two minutes. For someone with a baseline of one minute, it might mean two to three minutes. For some men, that difference is life-changing.

• Dapoxetine's impact on libido is generally minimal, focusing on ejaculation control.
• Use of dapoxetine should be part of an overall sexual health plan.
• Adherence to prescribed doses maximizes benefits and minimizes risks.
• Side effects usually resolve within a few hours or days.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking dapoxetine if drowsiness occurs.
• Regular discussions with your healthcare provider improve treatment outcomes.

What matters more than time alone is perceived control.

Many men report that with dapoxetine they feel more able to slow down, adjust stimulation, and remain present rather than anxious about the inevitable.

What is the satisfaction rate with dapoxetine?

Safarinejad MR. Safety and efficacy of dapoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose, randomized study. Kaufman JM, Rosen RC, Mudumbi RV, Tesfaye F, Hashmonay R, Rivas D. Treatment benefit of dapoxetine for premature ejaculation: results from a placebo-controlled phase III trial. Comparison of dapoxetine versus paroxetine in patients with premature ejaculation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose, randomized study. Improved control and reduced distress are the true treatment goals, not a specific number of minutes.

• Differential diagnosis: rule out erectile dysfunction, hormonal issues.
• Physical exam is part of assessment but often normal in PE.
• Validated questionnaires (e.g., PEDT) aid in diagnosis and monitoring.
• Treatment goal: satisfactory sexual experience for both partners.
• Dapoxetine addresses the biological, not solely psychological, aspect.
• May reduce performance anxiety secondary to PE.
• Prescribing guidelines emphasize starting at lowest effective dose.
• Long-term data on intermittent use over years is limited.

Because dapoxetine is taken on demand, it allows couples to decide when they want help. There is no need for daily commitment. This can reduce the feeling of being “medicalized” or constantly reminded of a problem. But the on-demand format also means planning. The medication shall be taken in advance.

Counseling and Sex Therapy

Concomitant sedatives can increase the risk of somnolence and dizziness. Dapoxetine is contraindicated in patients with heart problems such as heart failure, conduction abnormalities or significant ischaemic or valvular disease. It is also contraindicated in moderate and severe hepatic impairment. Dapoxetine is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment or with psychiatric disorders. Although dapoxetine prolongs intravaginal latency time before ejaculation, improvements seem modest and a placebo effect was apparent in most of the studies.

It supports control, not “perfection”

In an analysis of two trials, mean latency time increased from an average of 0.9 minutes at baseline to 1.75 minutes with placebo and 2.78 minutes with dapoxetine (30 mg taken on-demand).1 In a comparative trial, paroxetine was more effective than dapoxetine, although it was unclear when treatment was taken in relation to sexual intercourse. This may have affected efficacy.6 The benefits and adverse effects of dapoxetine treatment should be reviewed after four weeks (or six doses). Efficacy and tolerability of dapoxetine in treatment of premature ejaculation: an integrated analysis of two double-blind randomised trials. Buvat J, Tesfaye F, Rothman M, Rivas DA, Giuliano F. Dapoxetine for the treatment of premature ejaculation: results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial in 22 countries. Spontaneity may require a bit of preparation. Dapoxetine is approved for the treatment of premature ejaculation in many parts of Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

It is not approved in the United States, where doctors sometimes use daily SSRIs off-label instead. This difference reflects regulatory decisions rather than a complete disagreement about the drug’s effect. For patients, the key message is simple: dapoxetine can help, especially in lifelong PE, but it is not magic. It works best when expectations are realistic and when distress, not just timing, is the focus.