Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan (pronounced: dex-tro-meth-or-fan) is a medication most often used as a cough suppressant in over-the-counter cold and cough medicines. It is sold in syrup, tablet, spray, and lozenge forms.
Etymology
The term "Dextromethorphan" is derived from its chemical name, which is 3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan. The "dextro" prefix refers to the fact that it is a dextrorotatory compound, meaning it rotates plane-polarized light to the right.
Pharmacology
Dextromethorphan is an NMDA receptor antagonist, which means it works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in the brain, which plays a role in transmitting pain signals. It also has sigma-1 receptor agonist and serotonin reuptake inhibitor activity, which may contribute to its effectiveness as a cough suppressant.
Side Effects
Common side effects of dextromethorphan include dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as hallucinations and severe allergic reactions.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dextromethorphan
- Wikipedia's article - Dextromethorphan
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