✓ Medically reviewed by · Last reviewed: May 2026
Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience
Pharmacy researcher with 8 years reviewing clinical drug information, generic formulation equivalence, and international pharmaceutical standards. Focuses on patient-facing accuracy in medication education.
Quick Answer
Priligy and Poxet contain the identical active molecule — dapoxetine hydrochloride — at dose-equivalent strengths (30 and 60 mg). Both are short-half-life serotonin reuptake inhibitors specifically designed for on-demand use in premature ejaculation, producing roughly 3× increase in intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) in clinical trials. The differences are regulatory and economic: Janssen-Cilag’s Priligy is approved in the EU, UK, and most Asian markets (but not the FDA); a 2026 EU MSRP near €30–€50 per pill. Poxet is manufactured by Centurion Laboratories under WHO-GMP certification and ships worldwide from MedsBase — at roughly $1–$2 per pill. Same drug, ~30× price gap.
Dapoxetine is unusual in the SSRI class. The other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine) were developed for chronic depression and have terminal half-lives of 24 hours or longer — making their ejaculation-delaying side effect difficult to use selectively. Dapoxetine is engineered for the opposite profile: a 1.3-hour terminal half-life that allows on-demand 1–3 hours pre-coitus dosing, with most of the molecule cleared by the next day. The McMahon et al. pivotal program (2009)1, pooling data from 6,081 men across multiple placebo-controlled trials, demonstrated 2.5–3× increase in baseline IELT at the 30 and 60 mg doses.
Janssen-Cilag obtained the first dapoxetine approval in Finland in 2009; EU-wide approval followed via mutual recognition. The US FDA rejected dapoxetine’s NDA in 2005 (concerns about pharmacokinetics in patients on chronic SSRIs) and Janssen did not resubmit. Outside the US, generic dapoxetine has been widely available since the early 2010s. Poxet, manufactured by Centurion Laboratories Pvt Ltd in Vadodara, Gujarat — the same WHO-GMP facility supplying Cenforce, Vidalista, and Vilitra — is among the most widely distributed generic dapoxetine products globally.
TL;DR comparison table
| Priligy (brand) | Poxet (generic) | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Dapoxetine hydrochloride | Dapoxetine hydrochloride |
| Drug class | Short-half-life SSRI (on-demand) | Short-half-life SSRI (on-demand) |
| Indication | Premature ejaculation | Premature ejaculation |
| Manufacturer | Janssen-Cilag (originally) / now multiple distributors | Centurion Laboratories Pvt Ltd (WHO-GMP) |
| Available doses | 30, 60 mg | 30, 60, 90 mg + Super P-Force / Super Vidalista combos |
| Dosing | 1–3 hours before sexual activity, on-demand | Same |
| Half-life | ~1.3 hours initial, ~19 hours terminal | Same |
| IELT increase (clinical trials) | 2.5× on 30 mg, 3.3× on 60 mg | Same molecule, same expected response |
| FDA status | Not approved (NDA rejected 2005, not resubmitted) | Not registered (not marketed in US) |
| EU/UK status | Approved (EMA mutual recognition) | WHO-GMP manufactured; not EMA-registered |
| Typical 2026 price | ~€30–€50/pill EU pharmacy | ~$1–$2/pill on MedsBase |
How dapoxetine differs from chronic SSRIs for PE
Off-label SSRI use for premature ejaculation has been practised for decades. Daily paroxetine, sertraline, or fluoxetine produces meaningful IELT increase in most men with lifelong PE — but the chronic-SSRI approach has obvious drawbacks: daily dosing for an on-demand sexual problem, the standard SSRI side-effect profile (weight gain, fatigue, emotional blunting), and the difficulty of stopping (SSRI discontinuation syndrome). Our companion piece SSRI vs SNRI vs Dapoxetine covers the class comparison in detail.
Dapoxetine was engineered specifically to solve the on-demand problem. Two pharmacokinetic properties matter:
- Fast absorption — peak plasma concentration within 1.0–1.5 hours post-dose, producing effect during the typical 1–3 hour pre-coitus window.
- Short initial half-life (~1.3 hours) — the bulk of the dose clears within 4–6 hours, avoiding the steady-state plasma SSRI levels that drive chronic SSRI side effects.
The terminal half-life is longer (~19 hours) due to slow clearance of a minor pharmacologic active metabolite (desmethyl-dapoxetine), but this fraction does not produce the chronic-SSRI side-effect signature. The result is a drug that can be used once or twice a week as needed, without the chronic-medication burden.
Bioequivalence
Both Priligy and Poxet contain dapoxetine HCl at 30 and 60 mg strengths. EMA-approved generic dapoxetine has been available in the EU since 2017. Poxet, manufactured under WHO-GMP, applies the same 80–125% Cmax/AUC bioequivalence criterion. The pharmacology is intrinsic to the molecule and identical across brand and generic.
How dapoxetine works
Ejaculation is a spinal-reflex response with central modulation by serotonergic pathways. Higher synaptic serotonin in specific medullary and spinal nuclei delays the ejaculatory reflex. SSRIs — including dapoxetine — achieve this by blocking the presynaptic serotonin transporter, raising synaptic serotonin levels acutely. Dapoxetine’s specific binding profile is similar to other SSRIs but its short pharmacokinetic profile produces only transient elevation, sufficient for on-demand effect without chronic-dosing side effects.
Doses and dose recommendations
Standard dapoxetine dosing protocol:
- Starting dose: 30 mg, taken 1–3 hours before anticipated sexual activity.
- Maximum frequency: once per 24 hours.
- If 30 mg insufficient after 4–6 uses: titrate up to 60 mg.
- Maximum on-demand dose: 60 mg.
Poxet’s 90 mg strength exceeds the standard labelled maximum and is not recommended as a routine starting point. Most men do not derive incremental benefit beyond 60 mg, and side-effect rates (particularly nausea and dizziness) increase at higher doses.
For men with combined ED and PE, the combination tablets (Super P-Force, Super Vidalista, Super Vilitra) deliver a PDE5 inhibitor plus dapoxetine in a single pill. The Sildenafil + Dapoxetine combos comparison covers the SKU choices in detail. The Super Vidalista vs Super P-Force guide covers the tadalafil-based combo specifically.
Price comparison
| Channel | 60 mg dapoxetine — per pill |
|---|---|
| Priligy brand, EU pharmacy | ~€30–€50 |
| Generic dapoxetine, EU pharmacy | ~€8–€15 |
| Poxet 60, MedsBase | ~$1–$2 |
Note: dapoxetine is not available in US retail pharmacies because the FDA never approved the molecule. Reference pricing for the US market is therefore not applicable. Compounded dapoxetine from US 503A pharmacies exists but is rare, given the absence of an FDA-approved comparator product.
Side effects: identical molecule, identical profile
The dapoxetine side-effect profile applies across all supply chains:1
- Nausea (~11% at 30 mg, ~22% at 60 mg) — the principal dose-limiting side effect
- Dizziness (~6–11%)
- Headache (~6–9%)
- Diarrhoea (~4%)
- Insomnia (~3%)
- Somnolence (~3%)
- Syncope and orthostatic hypotension (rare but documented; particularly on first dose or after dose escalation)
The syncope signal is the principal safety caveat. It is mediated by acute serotonin-induced vasovagal response and clusters in the first few exposures. Standard practice is to take the first 30 mg dose with a large glass of water, sitting down, and to avoid alcohol concurrently. Tolerance to the syncope effect develops within a few exposures.
Contraindications
Do not combine dapoxetine (either brand) with any of the following:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — serotonin syndrome risk. 14-day washout required when transitioning to or from MAOIs.
- Other SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants — additive serotonergic risk.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin) — markedly elevate dapoxetine levels.
- Severe hepatic impairment — clearance dramatically reduced.
Caution also in cardiac arrhythmia, history of mania or severe depression (paradoxical effects possible), and orthostatic hypotension. Not for use in men under 18 or over 65 (no formal contraindication but lack of safety data).
Manufacturer disclosure: who makes Poxet?
Poxet is manufactured by Centurion Laboratories Pvt Ltd, Vadodara, Gujarat — the same WHO-GMP-certified facility producing Cenforce, Vidalista, and Vilitra. WHO-GMP certification covers cleanroom standards, batch testing, equipment calibration, raw-material traceability, finished-product release assays, and stability monitoring. Per-batch release for Poxet includes HPLC content assay confirming dapoxetine HCl within USP specification, and dissolution testing per USP <711>. Certificates of Analysis are available on request through MedsBase customer support.
How to order Poxet from MedsBase
Poxet ships worldwide from MedsBase in discreet packaging (plain envelope, no medication name on the exterior). Payment is accepted via crypto (USDT, BTC, ETH via Plisio), credit card via a regulated crypto on-ramp (statement descriptor is the on-ramp provider name — a regulated card-payment processor — never MedsBase), or SEPA bank transfer where available. See our credit card payment guide. Orders are covered by the MedsBase Reshipment Assurance Policy. Browse the full Poxet range including the combo products.
Who should choose dapoxetine over chronic SSRI use for PE?
- Lifelong PE with occasional sexual activity: on-demand dapoxetine 1–3 hours pre-coitus is generally preferable to daily chronic SSRI use. Avoids steady-state SSRI side effects entirely.
- Lifelong PE with high-frequency activity (daily or near-daily): chronic low-dose SSRI (paroxetine 10–20 mg or sertraline 25–50 mg daily) is often more effective and avoids per-event dosing logistics.
- Acquired PE with concurrent ED: the combination products (Super P-Force, Super Vidalista, Super Vilitra) treat both indications with one tablet on demand.
- Patients on chronic SSRIs already (for depression): dapoxetine is contraindicated. The chronic SSRI alone usually provides PE benefit as a side effect; if not, dose adjustment of the existing SSRI is the path, not addition of dapoxetine.
Pricing context: The brand-vs-generic price comparison on this page is one entry in MedsBase’s broader Brand-vs-Generic Medication Pricing Index — a quarterly-updated reference covering 15 brand-vs-generic pairs across ED, GLP-1, hair-loss, PrEP, and cosmetic clusters, with full methodology and citation disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poxet literally the same drug as Priligy?
Yes. Both contain dapoxetine hydrochloride as the active ingredient at the same labelled doses (30, 60 mg). The mechanism, onset, half-life, IELT effect, and side-effect profile are pharmacologically identical. The differences are the manufacturer, the inactive excipients, and the price.
Why isn’t dapoxetine FDA-approved in the US?
Janssen submitted an NDA to the FDA in 2005. The FDA raised concerns about pharmacokinetics in patients on chronic SSRIs and overall risk-benefit framing. Janssen did not resubmit. Dapoxetine has been approved by the EMA, UK MHRA, and most Asian regulatory bodies since 2009. The US absence is a regulatory outcome, not a quality or safety signal — the molecule has a long safety record in jurisdictions where it is marketed.
Is Poxet legal to order if I’m in the US?
Personal-use importation of medications not approved by the FDA exists in a grey zone. The FDA enforces against commercial distribution; personal-use importation for a 90-day supply is generally not enforced against individuals but is technically not authorised. The legal-import position varies by state and depends on enforcement context. Consult an attorney for your specific situation.
How long before sexual activity should I take Poxet?
1–3 hours before anticipated sexual activity, on an empty stomach if possible (food modestly delays peak). Maximum once per 24 hours. Do not take a second dose if the first feels ineffective — the side-effect signature (particularly syncope risk) does not justify dose stacking.
Can I take Poxet with alcohol?
Alcohol potentiates dapoxetine’s CNS side effects and the orthostatic hypotension/syncope signal. Concurrent alcohol is not recommended. If you drink, do so modestly and not before the dose has cleared (4–6 hours).
Can I take Poxet with Cenforce or Vidalista?
Yes — this is the most common practical use pattern for men with combined ED and PE. The Super P-Force tablet combines sildenafil 100 mg + dapoxetine 60 mg; Super Vidalista combines tadalafil 20 mg + dapoxetine 60 mg; Super Vilitra combines vardenafil 20 mg + dapoxetine 60 mg. All three are stocked on MedsBase. If you prefer separate tablets, that is also acceptable; take both 1–3 hours before activity.
Are the side effects of Poxet the same as Priligy?
Yes. Both pills cause nausea (around 22 percent at 60 mg), dizziness (around 6 to 11 percent), headache (around 6 to 9 percent), and infrequent syncope. The molecule is identical and the pharmacology is identical between brand and generic.
What if dapoxetine doesn’t work for me?
For non-responders, the alternatives are chronic SSRI (paroxetine 10–20 mg daily is most-studied), topical lidocaine-prilocaine spray, or behavioural therapy. Our SSRI vs SNRI vs Dapoxetine guide covers the class options. Persistent PE despite multiple drug-class trials warrants urology consultation to rule out anatomical or hormonal contributors.
Sources
- McMahon CG, Althof SE, Kaufman JM, et al. Efficacy and safety of dapoxetine for the treatment of premature ejaculation: integrated analysis of results from five phase 3 trials. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2011;8(2):524–539.
- European Medicines Agency. Priligy (dapoxetine) European Public Assessment Report (EPAR).
- US Food and Drug Administration. NDA review history for dapoxetine (2005 non-approval).
- World Health Organization. Multisource (generic) pharmaceutical products guidelines. WHO TRS 1003, Annex 6, 2017.
- Centurion Laboratories Pvt Ltd. WHO-GMP certification under the Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.
Last clinically reviewed: 18 May 2026.
Written by
Sophie ChenPharmaceutical Content Researcher · 8 years experience
Sophie Chen is a pharmaceutical content researcher with 8 years covering generic medication access and clinical pharmacology. She specialises in international regulatory frameworks, bioequivalence standards, and patient-facing education on therapeutic drug classes. She is not a clinician.