What is the drug dextromethorphan used for?

What is the drug dextromethorphan used for?

Dextromethorphan is used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will relieve a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or speed recovery.

When was dextromethorphan approved?

1958
Dextromethorphan received FDA approval in 1958 for its use as a cough suppressant. It is one of the most common compounds found in most over-the-counter antitussives for the past 50 years. In 2010, the FDA approved the use of dextromethorphan for pseudobulbar affect in combination with quinidine.

What is the mechanism of action of dextromethorphan?

Dextromethorphan exhibits antitussive activity and is devoid of analgesic or addictive property. This agent crosses the blood-brain-barrier and activates sigma opioid receptors on the cough center in the central nervous system, thereby suppressing the cough reflex.

How does dextromethorphan work in the body?

Dextromethorphan works on the part of your brain responsible for the cough reflex, disrupting the communication between your brain and the nerves which provoke the coughing. It temporarily blocks the “lock” so that the “key” no longer fits.

Does NyQuil have dextromethorphan?

There are three active ingredients in NyQuil: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan (DXM), and doxylamine. Acetaminophen reduces fever and alleviates minor pain, dextromethorphan suppresses coughing, and doxylamine is an antihistamine (anti-allergy medication) which relieves congestion, sneezing, and sore threat.

Does dextromethorphan help with anxiety?

However, there was an interesting wrinkle in the case, as the patient had found that over-the-counter cough medicines with cough suppressant dextromethorphan helped her mood and anxiety better than anything else.

Why does mucinex make me feel drunk?

Mucinex DM and Other Products with Dextromethorphan Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It’s found in Mucinex DM, Mucinex Sinus-Max and Mucinex Fast-Max products. When taken in high doses and combined with alcohol, dextromethorphan can cause: Drowsiness.

When was dextromethorphan approved for over the counter use?

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a safe, cough suppressant with a long history of nonprescription or over-the-counter (OTC) use in the U.S. and many other countries. DXM was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an OTC antitussive in 1958.

What is the sterocenter configuration of dextromethorphan?

Dextromethorphan is a 6-methoxy-11-methyl-1,3,4,9,10,10a-hexahydro-2H-10,4a- (epiminoethano)phenanthrene in which the sterocenters at positions 4a, 10 and 10a have S-configuration. It is a prodrug of dextrorphan and used as an antitussive drug for suppressing cough.

Can you take more than one dose of dextromethorphan?

Dextromethorphan should only be used according to the label or package directions. Do not take more than the recommended amount of dextromethorphan in a 24-hour period. Refer to the package or prescription label to determine the amount contained in each dose.

How does dextromethorphan work as a medicine?

It works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing. How should this medicine be used? Dextromethorphan comes as a liquid-filled capsule, a chewable tablet, a dissolving strip, a solution (liquid), an extended-release (long-acting) suspension (liquid), and a lozenge to take by mouth.

Posted In Q&A