Update on treatments for premature ejaculation.

Current and upcoming treatment options for premature ejaculation (PE) are of global clinical interest. In 2008, the International Society for Sexual Medicine published an evidence-based definition for PE. While there are no US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for PE, the American Urological Association 2004 guidelines state the serotonergic antidepressants paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine and clomipramine and the topical lidocaine-prilocaine cream are effective treatment options. However, there are limitations associated with their use, which may be overcome by PE-specific therapies currently in development. Two agents that are in advanced stages of clinical development include: (i) dapoxetine, an on-demand short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and (ii) PSD502, a metered-dose aerosol containing lidocaine and prilocaine, also for on-demand treatment. Another on-demand agent in development is tramadol, a weak opioid that is currently approved for treating pain. Coupled with efficient diagnosis, it is hoped that these newer agents will improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from PE.