DAPOXETINE

Dapoxetine (Dapoxetine hydrochloride AP38) is a drug currently in development for the management of premature ejaculation. This condition is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions and could affect as many as one third of the male population worldwide at some time in their lives. Although not currently available to order at present, we at Globalclinic.com feel that this product is one that is of interest and have decided to present information about this drug to our customers so that if and when it becomes licensed in the UK our customers can make an informed decision about its use for their particular needs.

Occasional premature ejaculation may not be a cause for concern, but if it happens more than 50% of attempted sexual activity then a pattern may be apparent for which treatment with an appropriate drug may be required. Although not a life-threatening condition, premature ejaculation can cause considerable concern for those affected and can place unnecessary strain on a relationship and a great deal of embarrassment. Professor Alan White, professor of men’s health at Leeds Metropolitan University, has described it as a ‘hidden condition’ that many men feel reluctant to talk about, particularly to their GPs. He concludes that if an effective treatment were to be developed then more men may be willing to discuss treatment and tackle the subject head on. Although common, it is still unclear as to what causes premature ejaculation. Experience and psychological factors are considered to be the primary contributors and the duration of time for ejaculation is not the true concern during intercourse. The issue is whether the couple is actually satisfied with the activity.

Dapoxetine is chemically similar to a family of antidepressants called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). In 2005 a report by the National Horizon Scanning Centre at the University of Birmingham prepared a report into the drug, which discusses the drug’s mechanism. They explained that the drug increases the level of serotonin in the central nervous system. An effect of SSRIs is a delay in ejaculatory latency time although the precise mechanism of action is currently unknown. Dapoxetine works quickly, usually within one and a half hours and the manufacturer suggest that a dose of 30-60mg one to three hours before intercourse would be sufficient to work effectively.

In September 2006 the medical journal The Lancet published the results of two double-blind trials of the drug which found that it improved intraviginal ejaculatory latency time compared to a placebo. The findings have been backed up by evidence presented to the 100th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association, which was presented with the findings of a study of 2,614 men aged 18-77. Each recipient received 30mg or 60mg of Dapoxetine or a placebo over a 12-week period. The findings were that the drug trebled the duration of intercourse, with the drug working after the first dose and increasing over the study period. The researchers were told that the men taking dapoxetine for the treatment of premature ejaculation experienced significant improvement in sexual function as well as ejaculatory control, satisfaction for both their partners and themselves and increases in intraviginal ejaculatory latency time.

Dapoxetine is being developed as a short acting SSRI specifically for the treatment of premature ejaculation. Studies suggest that the condition may be related to diminished sertonergic neurotransmission through the pathways that control ejaculation. In contrast to SSRIs developed and approved for depression (which can be perpetuated by the condition), Dapoxetine has a unique pharmacokinetic profile. Whereas other SSRIs take up to two weeks or longer to become effective (by reaching a steady-state concentration), Dapoxetine reaches its maximum serum concentration, becoming effective in about one hour and being eliminated from the body’s system within one to two hours. After 24 hours the plasma concentrations are less than 5% of peak values. The conclusion is that this rapid transit time through the body makes the drug suitable for on-demand therapy.

Although not currently available, Globalclinic.com is watching development of what has been described by some as ‘Viagra Reloaded’ with interest and once all clinical trials and licensing has been completed will consider adding this to our range of treatments for male sexual dysfunction. Globalclinic.com only stocks fully licensed, branded products that meet all legal and licensing legislation and will not stock or sell any counterfeit products pertaining to be this or any other drug used for the treatment of any condition.