U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Divider Arrow National Institutes of Health Divider Arrow NCATS

Details

Stereochemistry ABSOLUTE
Molecular Formula C18H25NO.ClH
Molecular Weight 307.858
Optical Activity UNSPECIFIED
Defined Stereocenters 3 / 3
E/Z Centers 0
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROCHLORIDE

SMILES

Cl.[H][C@]12CCCC[C@]13CCN(C)[C@H]2CC4=CC=C(OC)C=C34

InChI

InChIKey=SNDDIRAXSDUVKW-URVXVIKDSA-N
InChI=1S/C18H25NO.ClH/c1-19-10-9-18-8-4-3-5-15(18)17(19)11-13-6-7-14(20-2)12-16(13)18;/h6-7,12,15,17H,3-5,8-11H2,1-2H3;1H/t15-,17+,18+;/m1./s1

HIDE SMILES / InChI

Description
Curator's Comment: Description was created based on several sources, including https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2694543 http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_safety/5.1Dextromethorphan_pre-review.pdf http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2004/21620_mucinex_lbl.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25420446

Dextromethorphan is a non-narcotic morphine derivative widely used as an antitussive for almost 40 years. It has attracted attention due to its anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties. It is a cough suppressant in many over-the-counter cold and cough medicines. In 2010, the FDA approved the combination product dextromethorphan/quinidine for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect. Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex by a direct action on the cough center in the medulla of the brain. Dextromethorphan shows high-affinity binding to several regions of the brain, including the medullary cough center. This compound is an NMDA receptor antagonist and acts as a non-competitive channel blocker. It is one of the widely used antitussives and is used to study the involvement of glutamate receptors in neurotoxicity. Dextromethorphan (DM) is a sigma-1 receptor agonist and an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist. The mechanism by which dextromethorphan exerts therapeutic effects in patients with pseudobulbar affect is unknown. Dextromethorphan should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to the potential for serotonin syndrome. Dextromethorphan is extensively metabolized by CYP2D6 to dextrorphan, which is rapidly glucuronidated and unable to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Originator

Curator's Comment: # in a Swiss and US patent application from Hoffmann-La Roche in 1946 and 1947, respectively

Approval Year

Targets

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency
205.0 nM [Ki]
Conditions

Conditions

ConditionModalityTargetsHighest PhaseProduct
Primary
MUCINEX DM

Approved Use

Helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive: temporarily relieves: cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants; the intensity of coughing; the impulse to cough to help you get to sleep

Launch Date

2004
Primary
NUEDEXTA

Approved Use

NUEDEXTA is indicated for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA). PBA occurs secondary to a variety of otherwise unrelated neurologic conditions, and is characterized by involuntary, sudden, and frequent episodes of laughing and/or crying. PBA episodes typically occur out of proportion or incongruent to the underlying emotional state. PBA is a specific condition, distinct from other types of emotional lability that may occur in patients with neurological disease or injury.

Launch Date

2010
Cmax

Cmax

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
4.2 ng/mL
45 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 45 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
7.7 ng/mL
60 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 60 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
95.5 ng/mL
30 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered: QUINIDINE
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
15.9 ng/mL
30 mg single, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered: QUINIDINE
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: FASTED
2.9 ng/mL
30 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
123.5 ng/mL
30 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered: QUINIDINE
DEXTRORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
124.9 ng/mL
30 mg single, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered: QUINIDINE
DEXTRORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: FASTED
599 ng/mL
45 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 45 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTRORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
709 ng/mL
60 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 60 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTRORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
AUC

AUC

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
32 ng × h/mL
45 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 45 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
52 ng × h/mL
60 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 60 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
1049 ng × h/mL
30 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered: QUINIDINE
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
133.3 ng × h/mL
30 mg single, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered: QUINIDINE
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: FASTED
17.8 ng × h/mL
30 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
1000.5 ng × h/mL
30 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered: QUINIDINE
DEXTRORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
933.8 ng × h/mL
30 mg single, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: SINGLE
co-administered: QUINIDINE
DEXTRORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: FASTED
2898 ng × h/mL
45 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 45 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTRORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
3608 ng × h/mL
60 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 60 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered:
DEXTRORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
68 nM*h
30 mg single, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: oral
experiment type: single
co-administered:
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: healthy
age: adults
sex:
food status:
T1/2

T1/2

ValueDoseCo-administeredAnalytePopulation
13.1 h
30 mg 2 times / day steady-state, oral
dose: 30 mg
route of administration: Oral
experiment type: STEADY-STATE
co-administered: QUINIDINE
DEXTROMETHORPHAN plasma
Homo sapiens
population: HEALTHY
age: ADULT
sex: FEMALE / MALE
food status: UNKNOWN
Doses

Doses

DosePopulationAdverse events​
50 mg 4 times / day steady, oral
Dose: 50 mg, 4 times / day
Route: oral
Route: steady
Dose: 50 mg, 4 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 19-52 years
n = 16
Health Status: unhealthy
Condition: chronic intractable partial onset seizures
Age Group: 19-52 years
Sex: M+F
Population Size: 16
Sources:
960 mg 1 times / day multiple, oral
Highest studied dose
Dose: 960 mg, 1 times / day
Route: oral
Route: multiple
Dose: 960 mg, 1 times / day
Sources:
unhealthy, 19-67 years
n = 11
Health Status: unhealthy
Condition: Huntington's disease
Age Group: 19-67 years
Sex: M+F
Population Size: 11
Sources:
120 mg single, oral
Recommended
Dose: 120 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 120 mg
Sources:
healthy, 26.5 years
n = 40
Health Status: healthy
Age Group: 26.5 years
Sex: M+F
Population Size: 40
Sources:
900 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 900 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 900 mg
Sources:
unknown, 27 years
n = 1
Health Status: unknown
Age Group: 27 years
Sex: M
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Other AEs: Ischemic colitis...
Other AEs:
Ischemic colitis (1 patient)
Sources:
270 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 270 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 270 mg
Sources:
unknown, 3 years
n = 1
Health Status: unknown
Age Group: 3 years
Sex: M
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Other AEs: Lethargy, Ataxia...
Other AEs:
Lethargy (1 patient)
Ataxia (1 patient)
Nystagmus (1 patient)
Sources:
AEs

AEs

AESignificanceDosePopulation
Ischemic colitis 1 patient
900 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 900 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 900 mg
Sources:
unknown, 27 years
n = 1
Health Status: unknown
Age Group: 27 years
Sex: M
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Ataxia 1 patient
270 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 270 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 270 mg
Sources:
unknown, 3 years
n = 1
Health Status: unknown
Age Group: 3 years
Sex: M
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Lethargy 1 patient
270 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 270 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 270 mg
Sources:
unknown, 3 years
n = 1
Health Status: unknown
Age Group: 3 years
Sex: M
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Nystagmus 1 patient
270 mg single, oral
Overdose
Dose: 270 mg
Route: oral
Route: single
Dose: 270 mg
Sources:
unknown, 3 years
n = 1
Health Status: unknown
Age Group: 3 years
Sex: M
Population Size: 1
Sources:
Overview

OverviewOther

Drug as perpetrator​

Drug as perpetrator​

TargetModalityActivityMetaboliteClinical evidence
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
Drug as victimTox targets

Tox targets

TargetModalityActivityMetaboliteClinical evidence
PubMed

PubMed

TitleDatePubMed
Differential effects of morphinan drugs on haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats: a comparative study with an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist.
1991 Mar-Apr
[Dextromethorphan enhances analgesic activity of propacetamol--experimental study].
2005
Phenotypical expression of CYP2D6 in amerindians of tepehuano origin from Durango, Mexico.
2005
Epigenetic silencing of DSC3 is a common event in human breast cancer.
2005
High-throughput screening of inhibitory potential of nine cytochrome P450 enzymes in vitro using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.
2005
Dextromethorphan psychosis, dependence and physical withdrawal.
2005 Dec
Evaluation of dextromethorphan metabolism using hepatocytes from CYP2D6 poor and extensive metabolizers.
2005 Jun
Dextromethorphan-induced delirium and possible methadone interaction.
2005 Mar
Recombinant production of human microsomal cytochrome P450 2D6 in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris.
2005 Nov
Side effects of dextromethorphan abuse, a case series.
2005 Sep
Cluster formation as a tool for development in Medicon Valley.
2006 Jan-Feb
Dextromethorphan-induced neurologic illness in a patient with negative toxicology findings.
2006 Jun 27
Randomized, controlled trial of dextromethorphan/quinidine for pseudobulbar affect in multiple sclerosis.
2006 May
Mesenteric artery clamping/unclamping-induced acute lung injury is attenuated by N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist dextromethorphan.
2006 Nov-Dec
Co-administration of dextromethorphan with methamphetamine attenuates methamphetamine-induced rewarding and behavioral sensitization.
2006 Sep
Bench-to-bedside review: mechanisms and management of hyperthermia due to toxicity.
2007
Immunohistological assessment of the synovial tissue in small joints in rheumatoid arthritis: validation of a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy procedure.
2007
Cough mixture abuse as a novel cause of folate deficiency: a prospective, community-based, controlled study.
2007 Apr
Sex differences in the potency of kappa opioids and mixed-action opioids administered systemically and at the site of inflammation against capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia in rats.
2007 Apr
Effects of dextromethorphan on dopamine dependent behaviours in rats.
2007 Aug
Comparative metabolic capabilities and inhibitory profiles of CYP2D6.1, CYP2D6.10, and CYP2D6.17.
2007 Aug
Treatment of the common cold.
2007 Feb 15
A placebo double-blind pilot study of dextromethorphan for problematic behaviors in children with autism.
2007 Jan
Oral administration of dextromethorphan does not produce neuronal vacuolation in the rat brain.
2007 Jul
In vitro interaction cocktail assay for nine major cytochrome P450 enzymes with 13 probe reactions and a single LC/MSMS run: analytical validation and testing with monoclonal anti-CYP antibodies.
2007 Jul
Free energies of binding of R- and S-propranolol to wild-type and F483A mutant cytochrome P450 2D6 from molecular dynamics simulations.
2007 Jul
[Simultaneous determination of the inhibitory potency of compounds on the activity of five cytochrome P-450 enzymes using a cocktail probe substrates method].
2007 Jun
Challenges for Australia's Bio/Nanopharma Policies: trade deals, public goods and reference pricing in sustainable industrial renewal.
2007 Jun 1
Validated method for rapid inhibition screening of six cytochrome P450 enzymes by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
2007 Jun 1
Development and full validation of six inhibition assays for five major cytochrome P450 enzymes in human liver microsomes using an automated 96-well microplate incubation format and LC-MS/MS analysis.
2007 May 9
Prior exposure to uninfected mosquitoes enhances mortality in naturally-transmitted West Nile virus infection.
2007 Nov 14
Effect of sodium ozagrel on the activity of rat CYP2D6.
2007 Nov 14
Dextromethorphan: a review of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist in the management of pain.
2007 Spring
Ubiquitous computing for remote cardiac patient monitoring: a survey.
2008
Mechanical aspects of a multidirectional, angular stable osteosynthesis system and comparison with four conventional systems.
2008 Apr
Sex differences in NMDA antagonist enhancement of morphine antihyperalgesia in a capsaicin model of persistent pain: comparisons to two models of acute pain.
2008 Apr
Effects of common antitussive drugs on the hERG potassium channel current.
2008 Dec
Sigma ligands, but not N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists, reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesias.
2008 Jan 8
Anti-inflammatory effects of dimemorfan on inflammatory cells and LPS-induced endotoxin shock in mice.
2008 Jul
Functional expression and comparative characterization of nine murine cytochromes P450 by fluorescent inhibition screening.
2008 Jul
Life-threatening dextromethorphan intoxication associated with interaction with amitriptyline in a poor CYP2D6 metabolizer: a single case re-exposure study.
2008 Jul
Effects of repeated cycles of sterilisation on the mechanical characteristics of titanium miniplates for osteosynthesis.
2008 Sep
Effect of fenofibrate on microcirculation and wound healing in healthy and diabetic mice.
2009
Dextromethorphan reduces oxidative stress and inhibits atherosclerosis and neointima formation in mice.
2009 Apr 1
The diagnostic role of glycosaminoglycans in pleural effusions: a pilot study.
2009 Feb 18
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
2009 Feb 3
Characterization of retrieved orthodontic miniscrew implants.
2009 Jan
Riluzole treatment, survival and diagnostic criteria in Parkinson plus disorders: the NNIPPS study.
2009 Jan
Retrospective analysis of titanium plate-retained prostheses placed after total rhinectomy.
2009 Jan-Feb
[Bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA)].
2009 Mar
Patents

Sample Use Guides

In Vivo Use Guide
Curator's Comment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1503667 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26000221
15-30 mg 3 to 4 times per day (cough) 20-30 mg twice daily (pseudobulbar affect)
Route of Administration: Oral
In vitro studies pre- and immature oligodendroglial (OLN-93) cells were subjected to hyperoxic conditions for 48 h after pre-treatment with increasing doses of dextromethorphan.
Name Type Language
DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROCHLORIDE
VANDF   WHO-DD  
Common Name English
DEXTROMETHORPHAN HCL
Common Name English
MORPHINAN, 3-METHOXY-17-METHYL-, (9.ALPHA.,13.ALPHA.,14.ALPHA.)-, HYDROCHLORIDE
Common Name English
Dextromethorphan hydrochloride [WHO-DD]
Common Name English
DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROCHLORIDE [VANDF]
Common Name English
Code System Code Type Description
EPA CompTox
DTXSID70940040
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
FDA UNII
351KFH969D
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
RXCUI
267251
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023
PRIMARY RxNorm
EVMPD
SUB01646MIG
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
SMS_ID
100000087786
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
DRUG BANK
DBSALT002917
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
PUBCHEM
5483943
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023
PRIMARY
CAS
18609-21-7
Created by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023 , Edited by admin on Fri Dec 15 15:15:01 GMT 2023
PRIMARY