- Saudi Arabia
- Egypt
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
June 12, 2026
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Last updated: 12/06/2026
Dapoxetine is one of the most commonly used medicines for premature ejaculation in men. It is specifically designed to help improve control over ejaculation and increase the time before ejaculation in some medically diagnosed cases. Although it may be effective for many patients, it is not suitable for everyone and is not used to treat erectile dysfunction directly.
Dapoxetine is usually taken when needed, a certain period before sexual intercourse. It is important to follow the dose prescribed by the doctor to reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or headache. Caution is also needed in people with heart disease, liver disease, or those taking other medicines that may interact with it.
NICE explains that dapoxetine is licensed for the treatment of premature ejaculation in men aged 18 to 64 years. It is used when needed before sexual activity and should not be prescribed to men who have not been diagnosed with premature ejaculation. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority also states that dapoxetine should be prescribed only for specific cases that meet the criteria for premature ejaculation, not simply for the desire to delay ejaculation.
If you experience premature ejaculation frequently, or if the problem affects your marital relationship or self-confidence, it is better to consult a specialist doctor to identify the cause and choose the most suitable treatment instead of using the medicine randomly.
Dapoxetine is a medicine that belongs to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. However, it differs from most other medicines in this group because it is fast-absorbing and short-acting. For this reason, it was developed specifically for treating premature ejaculation, not for treating depression.
The effect of the medicine depends on increasing the level of serotonin in certain nerve centers involved in the ejaculation process. This may help improve the ability to control the timing of ejaculation in some men.
The European Medicines Agency, or EMA, explains that the active ingredient dapoxetine may help increase the time needed to reach ejaculation and improve sexual satisfaction in some patients with premature ejaculation.
It is important to know that dapoxetine is not a sexual stimulant. It does not increase sexual desire, and it does not treat erectile dysfunction unless the doctor prescribes it as part of a treatment plan that includes other medicines.
The main use of dapoxetine is the treatment of premature ejaculation in adult men who experience the problem repeatedly and in a way that affects their personal or marital life.
A doctor may usually consider prescribing dapoxetine when several criteria are present, including:
According to the NHS, premature ejaculation may be linked to different factors such as anxiety, stress, relationship problems, thyroid disorders, prostatitis, or erectile dysfunction.
For this reason, dapoxetine is not considered suitable for all cases. The underlying cause must be identified first.
The medicine is usually available in two main strengths: dapoxetine 30 mg and dapoxetine 60 mg. The difference between them is the amount of active ingredient in each tablet.
In most cases, treatment starts with dapoxetine 30 mg because it provides a good balance between effectiveness and reducing the likelihood of side effects.
NICE explains that the recommended starting dose is 30 mg, taken when needed about one to three hours before intercourse, and that no more than one dose should be taken within 24 hours.
If the 30 mg dose does not achieve the desired result and the side effects are tolerable or mild, the doctor may decide to increase the dose to 60 mg.
However, it is important to note that the higher dose may be associated with a greater likelihood of symptoms such as:
Therefore, you should not switch to dapoxetine 60 mg without consulting a doctor.
Using dapoxetine correctly plays an important role in achieving the best treatment result and reducing the risk of complications.
Yes, dapoxetine can be taken with or without food. However, some people prefer taking it after a light meal to reduce the chance of nausea.
This is one of the most common questions patients ask, but there is no single answer that applies to everyone.
Studies suggest that the medicine may help increase the time before ejaculation and improve control over ejaculation in many men with premature ejaculation. However, the degree of improvement varies from one person to another.
Several factors may affect how well this medicine works. Not all men get the same result, and the response may vary depending on:
Therefore, the effectiveness of treatment should be assessed based on overall symptom improvement, not on a specific number of minutes.
Dapoxetine usually starts working within the period during which it is recommended to take it before intercourse. For this reason, it is used when needed and not daily in most cases.
The onset of effect depends on several factors, such as how quickly the body absorbs the medicine, whether food has been eaten, and the patient’s general health condition. As an estimate, it is recommended to take it 1 to 3 hours before intercourse.
Dapoxetine is short-acting compared with some other medicines from the same class. That is why it is used only when needed.
The duration of effect varies from person to person and may be affected by factors such as age, weight, liver and kidney function, and the dose used.
It is not recommended to take extra doses or repeat the dose on the same day in order to increase the duration of effect. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects without providing a clear additional benefit.
The short answer is no.
Dapoxetine is not a medicine for treating erectile dysfunction. It is used only for treating premature ejaculation.
However, some men may feel an overall improvement in sexual performance because of increased self-confidence and better control over ejaculation. This does not mean that the medicine treats the erection problem itself.
The NHS explains that medicines such as sildenafil and tadalafil are mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction, while dapoxetine works in a completely different way.
Like any other medication, dapoxetine may cause some side effects. The likelihood and severity of these effects can vary from one person to another depending on the dose used, the patient’s general health condition, and any other medications they are taking.
Common side effects of dapoxetine may include:
These symptoms are often mild and temporary, and they may improve over time or after adjusting the dose according to the doctor’s instructions.
Some factors may increase the likelihood or severity of side effects, including:
For this reason, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications and dietary supplements you use before starting treatment.
You should stop taking dapoxetine and seek medical help immediately if any of the following symptoms appear:
You should also seek urgent medical care if signs of a severe allergic reaction appear, such as:
In general, these side effects do not mean that dapoxetine is unsafe for everyone. However, it should only be used under medical supervision to ensure the appropriate dose is selected and any symptoms that may appear during treatment are properly monitored.
Dapoxetine is not suitable for everyone and may be dangerous for some patients, especially those who have:
Therefore, the doctor must be informed of the full medical history before starting treatment.
Many men search for the possibility of using dapoxetine with tadalafil or sildenafil, especially if they have premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction at the same time.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe this combination after assessing the patient’s health condition. However, it should not be used without medical supervision.
Combining these medicines may increase the likelihood of:
The price of dapoxetine 30 and 60 may vary from one country to another. It can also differ depending on the brand name, manufacturer, number of tablets in the pack, and the pricing policy of each pharmacy. Therefore, the price should not be considered fixed, but rather an approximate figure that may change.
In Egypt, several alternatives containing dapoxetine may be available at different prices. As an approximate estimate, the price of dapoxetine 30 may start from around EGP 20 to EGP 80 for some packs, while dapoxetine 60 may range approximately from EGP 35 to EGP 90 for some brands. Prices may be higher for certain products or special formulations.
In Saudi Arabia, the price of dapoxetine 30 may range approximately between SAR 52 and SAR 67 for some available packs, while dapoxetine 60 may range approximately between SAR 60 and SAR 79, depending on the brand name, number of tablets, and pharmacy.
In Qatar, the price of some dapoxetine products or Priligy in 30 mg or 60 mg strengths may be around QAR 78 for a pack containing 3 tablets. However, the price may vary depending on availability and the pharmacy.
Price differences are usually due to several factors, including:
The medicine should not be chosen based on price alone. The most important point is to ensure that the product is registered and obtained from a trusted source. Dapoxetine should not be purchased from unknown websites or unofficial pages, as counterfeit or unregistered products may carry health risks.
It is also not recommended to switch from dapoxetine 30 to dapoxetine 60 simply because the price difference is small. A higher dose does not always mean better results and may increase the likelihood of side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or low blood pressure. Therefore, the appropriate strength should be determined by a doctor based on the patient’s health condition and response to treatment.
In general, if you are looking for the price of dapoxetine 30 or dapoxetine 60, it is best to ask a pharmacist for the most up-to-date price in your country and make sure the medicine is dispensed with a prescription from a licensed source.
Dapoxetine is not the only option for treating premature ejaculation. The treatment plan varies depending on the cause and severity of the problem, as well as the presence of other issues such as erectile dysfunction, anxiety, prostatitis, or relationship-related stress. Therefore, the doctor does not rely on medicine alone, but first assesses the condition and then chooses the most suitable treatment for each man.
Alternatives to dapoxetine may be medicinal or non-medicinal. In some cases, combining more than one method may be more effective than relying on only one treatment.
Some behavioral exercises may help improve ejaculation control, especially in mild or moderate cases. These exercises include techniques such as the stop-start method or training to reduce arousal before reaching ejaculation.
These methods require commitment and time. They do not provide an immediate result like some medicines. However, they may be useful as part of an integrated treatment plan, especially when premature ejaculation is linked to stress or reduced learned control.
In some cases, premature ejaculation is linked to anxiety, fear of failure, tension between partners, or previous unpleasant experiences. In these situations, psychological therapy or couples counseling may be an important part of treatment.
Psychological therapy helps reduce the cycle of anxiety that may worsen premature ejaculation. It also helps a man understand the relationship between stress and sexual response. The doctor may recommend this option alone or with medicine, depending on the case.
Sometimes premature ejaculation appears together with erectile dysfunction. In this case, a man may try to ejaculate quickly out of fear of losing the erection, making the problem seem like premature ejaculation only, while the underlying cause may be erectile dysfunction.
Therefore, it is important to tell the doctor if there is reduced erection firmness or difficulty maintaining an erection. Treating associated erectile dysfunction may help improve ejaculation control and may reduce the need for premature ejaculation medicines in some cases.
A doctor may sometimes recommend topical creams or sprays that contain mild numbing agents to reduce penile sensitivity and delay ejaculation. These products are used in a specific way before intercourse, and the doctor’s instructions must be followed to avoid excessive loss of sensation or transfer of the numbing substance to the partner.
These products should not be used randomly or in large amounts because they may cause bothersome numbness or temporary reduction in sensation.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe other medicines that affect premature ejaculation, especially if dapoxetine is not suitable or if unpleasant side effects occur. The choice of medicine depends on the medical history, current medicines, psychological condition, and liver and heart function.
You should not use any alternative medicine on your own, especially medicines that affect serotonin or erectile dysfunction medicines, because mixing medicines without medical supervision may cause serious interactions.
Before choosing alternatives to dapoxetine, the doctor may look for treatable medical causes, such as prostatitis, thyroid disorders, pain during intercourse, or some hormonal disorders. Treating the underlying cause may improve premature ejaculation without the need to use a specific medicine for it for a long time.
For this reason, it is not recommended to simply buy delay tablets without knowing the real cause of the problem.
Lifestyle changes may not be a direct treatment for premature ejaculation, but they can help improve sexual health in general. Useful tips include:
These steps are more useful when premature ejaculation is linked to exhaustion, anxiety, lack of sleep, or poor general fitness.
In many cases, the doctor may recommend combining behavioral therapy with medication or psychological therapy instead of relying on dapoxetine alone. For example, one man may need treatment for associated erectile dysfunction, while another may need ejaculation control exercises along with anxiety reduction.
The goal is not only to temporarily delay ejaculation, but also to improve control, confidence, and reduce relationship-related stress. Therefore, the treatment plan should be individual, safe, and based on a clear medical assessment.
You should see a doctor if premature ejaculation affects quality of life, the marital relationship, or causes ongoing psychological distress.
See a doctor if you experience:
Seek medical care immediately if any of the following appear:
Before using dapoxetine tablets, it is important to know that the medicine is not suitable for all men and should not be treated as a regular product for delaying ejaculation. It is a medicine that affects the nervous system and may interact with other medicines, so it requires a prescription and proper assessment before use.
Do not use the medicine without a prescription: The doctor must first determine whether the problem is truly premature ejaculation or whether it is linked to another factor such as anxiety, erectile dysfunction, prostatitis, or a hormonal disorder.
Do not increase the dose on your own: If dapoxetine 30 mg does not achieve the desired result, do not switch to dapoxetine 60 mg without consulting your doctor. A higher dose may increase the likelihood of dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure, or fainting.
Avoid alcohol during treatment: Drinking alcohol with dapoxetine may increase dizziness and drowsiness and may raise the risk of fainting or poor concentration. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid it completely on the day the medicine is used.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use: It is important to tell your doctor about heart medicines, blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, anxiety medicines, strong painkillers, erectile dysfunction medicines, supplements, and herbs. Some medicines may interact with dapoxetine and increase its side effects.
Do not rely on other people’s experiences: The body’s response to dapoxetine varies from one person to another. What suits someone else may not suit your condition, especially if you have chronic diseases or use other medicines.
Drink enough water when taking the dose: It is recommended to take the tablet with a full glass of water, as this may help reduce dizziness and may lower the possibility of a drop in blood pressure or fainting in some people.
Avoid driving or work that requires concentration if you feel dizzy: Dapoxetine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or unsteadiness in some men. If you feel these symptoms, do not drive or use sharp machinery until the symptoms disappear completely.
Stop using it and consult a doctor if unusual symptoms appear: You should seek medical advice if fainting, severe palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, seizures, clear mood disturbance, or allergy symptoms such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing occur.
Keep your medical follow-up appointments: Follow-up helps the doctor assess treatment effectiveness, review side effects, and decide whether continuing dapoxetine is appropriate or whether there are better alternatives.
Do not use the medicine more than once within 24 hours: Repeating the dose does not mean a better result. It may increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, you must follow the maximum limit set by the doctor.
Do not mix dapoxetine with erection medicines without consultation: Combining dapoxetine with medicines such as tadalafil or sildenafil may be suitable for some cases, but it may increase the risk of low blood pressure or dizziness in others. Therefore, this should be done only under medical supervision.
Using dapoxetine correctly helps reduce risks and improves the chance of benefiting from treatment. Random use or increasing the dose without a doctor may lead to bothersome symptoms or unsafe drug interactions.
Dapoxetine may be an effective option for many men who experience premature ejaculation, especially when used correctly and under medical supervision. However, its effectiveness varies from person to person. It is not used to treat erectile dysfunction and is not suitable for all patients. Therefore, accurate medical diagnosis, choosing the appropriate dose, and monitoring side effects remain among the most important factors for successful and safe treatment.
Reviewed by the Magrabi editorial team with the support of specialist doctors.
Disclaimer: This article is for health education purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a specialist doctor.
The Magrabi Health Editorial Team creates educational medical content designed to help readers better understand symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and preventive healthcare measures across a wide range of medical topics, drawing on trusted sources and specialized clinical expertise. Since 1955, Magrabi Health has built more than 70 years of experience in specialized healthcare through a regional network of over 40 facilities across 5 countries. Its commitment to quality and patient safety is reflected in numerous accreditations and recognitions, including the designation of several eye centers as Centers of Excellence in Ophthalmology by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Dapoxetine is a medicine used to treat premature ejaculation in some adult men. It is usually taken when needed before sexual intercourse.
Dapoxetine is used to treat medically diagnosed premature ejaculation after assessing the case and excluding other possible causes.
This depends on the doctor’s assessment and the patient’s response to treatment. The treatment plan usually starts with a 30 mg dose.
It is usually taken about 1 to 3 hours before intercourse, according to the doctor’s instructions.
The effect varies from one person to another, but it may help improve control over ejaculation and increase the time before ejaculation in some patients.
No. Dapoxetine is not a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
