Dapoxetine

Dapoxetine is a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (ssri) medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of premature ejaculation in adult men, when diagnosed by a doctor and drug treatment is considered suitable.

Dapoxetine is usually taken only when needed before anticipated sexual activity, not as a regular daily medicine unless specifically directed. The exact strength and timing should be decided by the prescribing doctor based on age, response, side effects, and other medicines. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours, and do not change the dose without medical advice.

• Common side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, dry mouth, insomnia, fatigue, and increased sweating.
• It may cause sleepiness, reduced attention, blurred vision, or a feeling of faintness.
• Serious effects can include fainting, marked drop in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, seizures, mood changes, or symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, fever, tremor, sweating, diarrhoea, and confusion. Seek urgent medical help if these occur.

Use with caution in people with a history of fainting, low blood pressure, dehydration, epilepsy, bleeding problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or mental health conditions such as depression, mania, or suicidal thoughts. Avoid driving or operating machinery if dizziness, sleepiness, or faintness occurs. Alcohol increases the risk of dizziness, fainting, and impaired judgement and should be avoided. Use Dapoxetine under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Do not combine with MAO inhibitors, thioridazine, SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, linezolid, tramadol, triptans, St John’s wort, or other serotonergic medicines unless a doctor specifically approves, due to risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, and some macrolide antibiotics can greatly increase dapoxetine levels and may be unsafe.
• Alcohol can increase dizziness, fainting, and impaired alertness.
• PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction and alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate symptoms may increase the risk of low blood pressure or fainting.
• Anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines, and NSAIDs may increase bleeding risk when used with SSRIs.

• Known allergy to dapoxetine or any component of the medicine.
• Significant heart disease such as heart failure, conduction disorders, significant ischaemic heart disease, or significant valvular disease, unless a specialist advises otherwise.
• Moderate or severe liver impairment.
• Current or recent use of MAO inhibitors, thioridazine, other SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs, or other serotonergic medicines where unsafe overlap may occur.
• Use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
• History of mania, severe depression, or syncope where the doctor considers dapoxetine unsafe.
• Not for children, adolescents, or women.

Dapoxetine is intended for use in adult men with premature ejaculation and is not indicated for women. It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Store tablets in the original packaging at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.