Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Robitussin, Delsym, DM, DexAlone, Duract |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682492 |
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Dependence liability |
Low |
Routes of administration |
Oral |
ATC code | |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | 11% |
Metabolism | Hepatic (liver) enzymes: major CYP2D6, minor CYP3A4, and minor CYP3A5 |
Biological half-life | 2-4 hours (extensive metabolisers); 24 hours (poor metabolisers) |
Excretion | Renal |
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ChEMBL | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.004.321 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C18H25NO |
Molar mass | 271.40 g/mol |
3D model (JSmol) | |
Melting point | 111 °C (232 °F) |
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(what is this?) |
Dextromethorphan (DXM or DM) is a drug of the morphinan class with sedative, dissociative, and stimulant properties (at higher doses). It is a cough suppressant in many over-the-counter cold and cough medicines including generic labels and store brands, Benylin DM, Mucinex DM, Camydex-20 tablets, Robitussin, NyQuil, Dimetapp, Vicks, Coricidin, Delsym, TheraFlu, Cheracol D, and others. Dextromethorphan has also found numerous other uses in medicine, ranging from pain relief (as either the primary analgesic, or an opioid potentiator) over psychological applications to the treatment of addiction. It is sold in syrup, tablet, spray, and lozenge forms. In its pure form, dextromethorphan occurs as a white powder.
DXM is also used recreationally. When exceeding approved dosages, dextromethorphan acts as a dissociative anesthetic. Its mechanism of action is via multiple effects, including actions as a nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a sigma-1 receptor agonist. DXM and its major metabolite, dextrorphan, also act as an NMDA receptor antagonist at high doses, which produces effects similar to, yet distinct from, the dissociative states created by other dissociative anesthetics such as ketamine and phencyclidine.