Educational

Medications for PE: What Works in Kenya

By Pharmacy Team
August 19, 2025
Premature Ejaculation

Detailed guide to PE medications available in Kenya, including SSRIs, topical treatments, and how to choose the right option.

Understanding the medications available for premature ejaculation in Kenya helps you make informed treatment decisions. This guide covers all approved options, their effectiveness, and what to expect.

First-Line Medical Treatment

Dapoxetine (Priligy)

The only medication specifically approved for PE treatment.

  • How it works: Short-acting SSRI taken 1-3 hours before sex
  • Effectiveness: Increases ejaculation time by 2-3 fold
  • Dosages: 30mg or 60mg
  • Cost in Kenya: KES 600-900 per tablet
  • Side effects: Nausea, dizziness, headache

SSRIs for Daily Use

Paroxetine

  • Most effective SSRI for PE
  • Daily dose: 10-40mg
  • Takes 2-3 weeks for full effect
  • Cost: KES 300-650 per month

Sertraline

  • Good effectiveness with fewer side effects
  • Daily dose: 25-100mg
  • Cost: KES 150-400 per month

Fluoxetine

  • Mild effect on ejaculation delay
  • Daily dose: 20-40mg
  • Cost: KES 200-500 per month

On-Demand Options

Tramadol

  • Off-label use for PE
  • Take 2-4 hours before intercourse
  • Dose: 50-100mg
  • Cost: KES 200-350 per dose
  • Caution: Potential for dependence

Topical Treatments

EMLA Cream

  • Lidocaine/Prilocaine combination
  • Apply 20-30 minutes before sex
  • Must use condom to prevent partner numbness
  • Cost: KES 800 per tube

Delay Sprays

  • Various brands available in Kenya
  • Apply 5-10 minutes before sex
  • Cost: KES 500-1,500
  • Available without prescription

Combination Therapy

Best results often come from combining:

  • Medication + behavioral techniques
  • Topical + oral medication
  • Medication + counseling

Choosing the Right Medication

For Occasional Use

  • Dapoxetine (Priligy)
  • Tramadol
  • Topical anesthetics

For Regular Use

  • Daily SSRIs
  • Lower side effect profile
  • Better for men in stable relationships

Important Safety Information

  • Never combine multiple PE medications
  • Avoid alcohol with these medications
  • Some interact with other drugs
  • Regular monitoring needed for SSRIs

Getting Your Prescription

In Kenya, obtain prescriptions from:

  • Urologists
  • General practitioners
  • Sexual health specialists
  • Telemedicine consultations

Generic vs. Brand Options

Generic medications offer significant savings:

  • Same active ingredients
  • 50-70% cheaper
  • Widely available in Kenya
  • Equally effective