Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate (DM or DXM) is an antitussive drug that is found in many over-the-counter cold and cough preparations. It is a salt of the methyl ether dextrorotatory isomer of levorphanol, a narcotic analgesic. It is chemically named as 3-methoxy-17-methyl-9(alpha), 13(alpha), 14(alpha)-morphinan hydrobromide monohydrate. DXM occurs as white crystals, is sparingly soluble in water, and freely soluble in alcohol. The drug is dextrorotatory in water (at 20 degrees Celsius, Sodium D-line) with a specific rotation of +27.6 degrees.

Related Topics:
Antitussive - Drug - Over-the-counter - Cold - Cough - Salt - Dextrorotatory - Isomer - Narcotic - Analgesic - Crystals - Alcohol - Celsius

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The FDA approved dextromethorphan for over-the-counter sale as an antitussive in 1958. This filled the need for a cough suppresant lacking the abuse liability and addictive properties of codeine phosphate, the most widely used cough medication at the time. The advantage of dextromethorphan preparations over those containing codeine (now controlled by the FDA) was the lack of physical addiction potential and sedative side-effects.

Related Topics:
1958 - Codeine

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