Dapoxetine is used to treat premature ejaculation (uncontrolled early ejaculation) in men. It is a condition wherein an individual ejaculates with little sexual stimulation or before the person wishes.
Take Dapoxetine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
Take this medicine approx 1-3 hours before sexual activity, as necessary. It should not be taken more frequently than once every 24 hours or every day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. heart failure, sick sinus syndrome (abnormal heart rhythms due to problems with your heart's natural pacemaker)
- orthostatic hypotension (fall in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying down position)
- history of mood disorders e.g. bipolar disorder, feeling highly excited, being over-active and easily irritated or distracted
- history of severe depression
- history of fainting or temporary loss of consciousness
- uncontrolled epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- moderate to severe liver disease
as Dapoxetine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Dapoxetine with medicines used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other medicines for depression, medicines for mood disorder, HIV infection, fungal infection, migraine, and certain strong painkillers, antibiotics, and herbal medicines. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- controlled epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- history of bleeding or blood clotting problems
- increased pressure in the eye
- mild liver disease
- kidney disease
Dapoxetine is not intended for use in women or in individuals with mood disorders including those with depression.
A certain enzyme called CYP2D6 is involved in the breakdown of this medicine in the body. Individuals who are known as poor metabolisers of CYP2D6 may experience enhanced side effects of Dapoxetine. In individuals who are known as CYP2D6 extensive metabolisers, caution may be required during treatment with this medicine, particularly when used with medicines that are called strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If you know you have these gene types, inform your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure and heart rate while lying down and in a standing position may be checked before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Regular monitoring for signs of fainting, depression, suicidal thoughts, and changes in mood or behaviour may also be needed.
Dapoxetine may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. If you feel lightheaded or you feel like you might faint when you stand up, immediately lie down so your head is lower than the rest of your body or sit down with your head between your knees until the symptoms pass. To minimise this problem, do not stand up quickly after sitting or lying down for a long time.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain or discomfort, constipation, indigestion, dry mouth, yawning, stuffy nose, ringing in the ears, numbness or tingling sensation, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, restlessness, and flushing.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, anxious, or seeing, hearing or feeling things that are non-existent)
- fast heartbeat, increased sweating, tremors, muscle stiffness
- fits or seizures
- coughing up blood or unusual bleeding from the gums
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Dapoxetine with or within 14 days after taking or using any of these medicines:
- medicines for depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine
- other certain medicines for depression e.g. citalopram, duloxetine, amitriptyline
- certain medicines for mood disorder e.g. lithium, thioridazine
- medicines used to treat migraines e.g. sumatriptan
- tryptophan (medicine used to help in sleeping)
- tramadol (strong painkiller)
- linezolid (antibiotic)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
Do not also take the medicines listed above within 7 days after stopping Dapoxetine.
Do not take Dapoxetine if you are currently taking or using any of the following medicines:
- certain medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir
- certain antibiotics e.g. telithromycin
- nefazodone (medicine for depression)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure or chest pain e.g. diltiazem, verapamil
- medicines used to treat impotence e.g. sildenafil, tadalafil
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin
- fluconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- aprepitant (medicine used for nausea)
- other antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- other medicines for HIV infection e.g. fosamprenavir, amprenavir
These lists do not include all medicines that may interact with Dapoxetine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day) within 24 hours before taking Dapoxetine.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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