Dextromethadone
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 acts as a NMDA receptor antagonist, which means it blocks the action of the NMDA receptor, a protein that plays a key role in controlling the flow of electrical signals in the brain. This action is believed to be responsible for its cough-suppressing effects.
Related Terms
- Antitussive: A type of medication that suppresses coughing.
- NMDA receptor antagonist: A class of anesthetics that work by antagonizing, or inhibiting, the action of the NMDA receptors in the brain.
- Dextrorotatory: Referring to the property of rotating plane-polarized light to the right, as some chemical compounds do.
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.
See Also
- Codeine: Another commonly used cough suppressant.
- Cough medicine: A category of drugs used to treat coughing and related conditions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dextromethadone
- Wikipedia's article - Dextromethadone
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