Dapoxetine tablets
Priligy
Peer reviewed by Sid DajaniLast updated by Michael Stewart, MRPharmSLast updated 16 May 2022
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Dapoxetine is prescribed for the treatment of premature ejaculation.
Take one tablet 1-3 hours before you have sex.
The most common side-effects include feeling dizzy or faint, and feeling sick (nausea). Drinking a full glass of water at the same time as taking the tablet can reduce these effects.
In this article:
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About dapoxetine
Type of medicine | A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
Used for | Premature ejaculation in adult men |
Also called | Priligy® |
Available as | Tablets |
Premature ejaculation is the term used when a man orgasms (ejaculates) more quickly than he and/or his partner would like. For some men it can be temporary and can get better on its own; for others, prescribed treatments such as dapoxetine tablets can be helpful.
Dapoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medicine which has been specially developed for the treatment of premature ejaculation. It increases the time it takes to ejaculate and can improve the control over the ejaculation. It starts to work very quickly, so it is taken when you anticipate having sex, rather than every day. You have to take it 1-3 hours before you have sex.
Before taking dapoxetine
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking dapoxetine it is important that your doctor knows:
If you have a tendency to faint.
If you have a heart condition.
If you have a bleeding or clotting disorder.
If you have epilepsy.
If you have ever had a mental health problem causing 'high' or 'low' moods, such as bipolar disorder, depression or mania.
If you have increased pressure in your eye, a condition called glaucoma.
If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
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How to take dapoxetine tablets
Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about dapoxetine, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.
Take dapoxetine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Drink a full glass of water at the same time as you take a tablet. The recommended starting dose is one 30 mg tablet, taken 1 to 3 hours before you anticipate having sex. Your doctor may later decide to increase your dose to one 60 mg tablet. Your doctor will only prescribe the higher dose for you if the 30 mg dose is insufficient, and providing you have not experienced any side-effects such as feeling faint.
Do not take more than one tablet in any 24 hours. Dapoxetine is not intended for regular daily use - you should only take it before you anticipate having sex.
The tablet has a bitter taste, so swallow it whole without chewing. You can take it either with or without food.
Getting the most from your treatment
Make sure you keep your follow-on appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
Do not drink alcohol whilst taking dapoxetine, as it might increase the sedative effects of the alcohol. It can also increase the risk of fainting.
Do not use any recreational drugs while you are taking dapoxetine, as this could lead to you experiencing serious side-effects.
A chemical in grapefruit juice can increase the amount of dapoxetine in your bloodstream and this increases the risk of side-effects. If you do drink grapefruit juice, do not take a dapoxetine tablet for at least 24 hours afterwards.
Take care if you are a driver. If you feel faint or dizzy, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.
If you buy any medicines, please check with your doctor or a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with dapoxetine.
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Can dapoxetine tablets cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with dapoxetine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Very common dapoxetine side-effects (these affect more than 1 in 10 men) | What can I do if I experience this? |
Feeling dizzy or light-headed | Sit with your head between your knees, or lie down until the feeling passes |
Feeling sick (nausea), sweaty or confused | These are signs that fainting may occur. Sit down until the feeling passes so that you do not fall and hurt yourself |
Headache | Drink plenty of water and ask a pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headaches continue, let your doctor know |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets and which you are concerned about, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
How to store dapoxetine
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Important information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
If you are due to have an operation or any dental treatment, please tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Report side effects to a medicine or vaccine
If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website.
Further reading and references
- Manufacturer's PIL, Priligy® 30 mg and 60 mg film-coated tablets; A. Menarini Farmaceutica Internazionale SRL, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2021.
- Medicines Complete BNF 85th Edition; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Next review due: 15 May 2025
16 May 2022 | Latest version
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