Dextormehorphan
Dextormehorphan Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Dextormehorphan is a brand name. Its generic name is Dextromethorphan.
Dextormehorphan Introduction
Dextormehorphan (DXM or DM) is an antitussive (cough suppressant) drug found in many over-the-counter cold and cough medicines. It is also found in some recreational drugs. It works by reducing the activity of the part of the brain that causes coughing.
Uses for Dextormehorphan
Dextormehorphan is used to treat coughs associated with colds, flu, or other breathing illnesses. It is also used in combination with pain relievers, antihistamines, and decongestants for symptom relief in the treatment of certain cold and cough medications.
Mechanism of Action
Dextormehorphan works by affecting signals in the brain that trigger coughing. It does this by blocking the action of sigma receptors, a type of receptor for the neurotransmitter glutamate. By inhibiting the sigma receptors, dextromethorphan is able to suppress the cough reflex.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Dextormehorphan typically begins to work within 15 minutes after taking it in liquid form or after 30 minutes if taken in tablet form. It can provide relief from an itchy or dry cough for up to 6 hours.
Absorption
Dextormehorphan is rapidly and well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma concentration after 30 to 60 minutes. It undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism and has a bioavailability of only 20%.
Route of Elimination
Dextormehorphan is primarily metabolized in the liver and then eliminated via the kidneys. Approximately 15% of an oral dose is eliminated unchanged in the urine.
Dosage
The recommended dose of dextromethorphan for children 2-6 years old is 5-10 mg every 4-6 hours, and 10-20 mg every 4-6 hours for children 6-12 years old. The recommended dosage for adults is 30-60 mg every 6-8 hours.
Administration
Dextormehorphan is available as a tablet, capsule, syrup, and other liquid dosage forms. It should be taken with a full glass of water. It should not be taken with alcohol or with other medications that contain alcohol.
Side Effects
Common side effects of dextromethorphan include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, restlessness, and nausea. More serious side effects include an irregular heartbeat, an inability to urinate, confusion, hallucinations, and agitation.
Toxicity
Dextormehorphan is considered to be relatively nontoxic when taken at therapeutic doses. At high doses, it can cause excitement, confusion, restlessness, and hallucinations.
Precaution
Patients should avoid taking dextromethorphan if they have been diagnosed with hypertension, as it may worsen the condition. Patients should also avoid taking dextromethorphan with alcohol, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects. In addition, dextromethorphan should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma or asthma.
Interaction
Dextormehorphan should not be taken concurrently with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as this can increase the risk of adverse effects. It may also interact with other medications, including sedatives, antihistamines, opioids, and antibiotics. Patients should always inform their doctor about any medications they are taking prior to taking dextromethorphan.
Disease Interaction
Dextormehorphan can worsen symptoms of glaucoma, asthma, and hypertension. Patients with a history of heart disease, seizure disorders, or liver or kidney disease should use caution when taking dextromethorphan. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of stomach ulcers.
Drug Interaction
Dextormehorphan can interact with other medications, including antibiotics, antihistamines, antifungals, sedatives, opioids, and MAOIs. Patients should always inform their doctor about any medications they are taking prior to taking dextromethorphan. They should also inform their doctor of any allergies they have.
Food Interactions
Dextormehorphan should be taken with a full glass of water to ensure proper absorption. Alcohol, caffeine, citrus juices, and certain foods may affect the absorption of dextromethorphan, and should be avoided.
Pregnancy Use
Dextormehorphan should be used with caution in pregnant women. It has been classified as a pregnancy category C medication, meaning that it may be harmful to the developing fetus. Women should consult with their doctor before taking dextromethorphan during pregnancy.
Lactation Use
Dextormehorphan has been shown to be excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Mother should use caution when using dextromethorphan while breastfeeding. It may be safest to consult with a doctor before using dextromethorphan while breastfeeding.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an acute overdose of dextromethorphan can include restlessness, excitement, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heart rate, shallow breathing, and unconsciousness. individuals who have overdosed should seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindication
Dextormehorphan is contraindicated in patients with a history of stomach ulcers, glaucoma, asthma, or hypertension. It should also be avoided in individuals taking MAOIs or other medications that interact with dextromethorphan.
Use Direction
Dextormehorphan should be taken as directed by a doctor or pharmacist. It should not be taken more often than prescribed, and should be taken with a full glass of water. Patients should avoid taking dextromethorphan with alcohol, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Storage Condition
Dextormehorphan should be stored at room temperature and protected from light and moisture. Additionally, any unused medication should be discarded after the expiration date.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution for dextromethorphan is approximately 1.4 liters per kilogram
Half Life
The half-life of dextromethorphan is approximately 4 to 6 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of dextromethorphan is approximately 42 liters per hour.
Here you find in details version of Dextormehorphan
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Dextormehorphan
What is Dextormehorphan?
Dextormehorphan (DXM) is a cough suppressant and antihistamine used to treat coughs due to certain illnesses. It is available without a prescription and is found in more than 100 over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold products.
Can Dextormehorphan be abused?
Yes, dextromethorphan can be abused. It has a stimulant and hallucinogenic effect when taken in large amounts, and is commonly referred to as “robo-tripping”.
What are the effects of Dextormehorphan?
When taken in large doses, dextromethorphan can cause a sense of euphoria, agitation, confusion, dizziness, impaired coordination, blurred vision, and many other side effects.
What is the recommended dose of dextromethorphan?
The recommended dose of dextromethorphan for cough suppression is 10-20 mg every 4-6 hours, up to a maximum daily dose of 120 mg/day.
Are there any risks associated with taking Dextormehorphan?
Yes, there are some risks associated with taking dextromethorphan in large doses. These can include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, liver problems, confusion, and hallucinations.
Can I take Dextormehorphan while breastfeeding?
Dextormehorphan is excreted into breast milk. It is generally recommended that women who are breastfeeding avoid taking dextromethorphan.
What are the signs of Dextormehorphan abuse?
Signs of dextromethorphan abuse may include slurred speech, poor coordination, red and glassy eyes, agitation, confusion, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, skin flushing, and abdominal pain.
Can Dextormehorphan be detected in a drug test?
No, dextromethorphan does not show up on standard drug tests.
Is Dextormehorphan addictive?
No, dextromethorphan is not considered to be addictive.
How long does Dextormehorphan stay in the body?
The effects of dextromethorphan usually last for 3-6 hours. In most cases, the drug can be detected in the body for up to 24 hours after ingestion.
What are the long-term effects of Dextormehorphan abuse?
Long-term effects of dextromethorphan abuse can include memory impairment, liver damage, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, paranoia, and depression.
Can Dextormehorphan be used to treat depression?
No, dextromethorphan is not recommended for use in treating depression.
Can taking Dextormehorphan cause hallucinations?
Yes, in high doses, dextromethorphan can produce visual and auditory hallucinations.
What is the legal status of Dextormehorphan?
Dextormehorphan is available without a prescription in most countries and is classified as a drug of abuse due to its abuse potential.
Is there a risk of overdose with Dextormehorphan?
Yes, there is a risk of overdose with dextromethorphan use, especially when taken in combination with other drugs. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, confusion, seizures, coma, and death.
What other drugs should not be taken with Dextormehorphan?
Dextormehorphan should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine, as they may increase the risk of side effects. Dextormehorphan should also not be taken with opioid medications, alcohol, or sedatives.
Can Dextormehorphan cause seizures?
Yes, in large doses or when combined with other medications, dextromethorphan can cause seizures.
Can cytochrome P450 enzymes be inhibited by Dextormehorphan?
Yes, dextromethorphan can inhibit the activity of certain cytochrome P450 enzymes, which can result in decreased effectiveness or increased side effects of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
What is the half-life of Dextormehorphan?
The average half-life of dextromethorphan is 3.8 hours.
What is Robotripping?
Robotripping refers to the recreational use of dextromethorphan in order to achieve a stimulant and hallucinogenic effect.
What are the street names for Dextormehorphan?
Common street names for dextromethorphan include Dex, DM, Syrup, DXM, Robo, Triple C, CCC, Skittles, Velvet, Candy, and Poor Man's PCP.
Is Dextormehorphan safe for children?
Dextormehorphan is generally considered to be safe for children, when taken as directed. However, parents and caregivers should be aware of potential side effects and risks, such as the risk of overdose, and use caution when administering the drug to children.
What is high-dose Dextormehorphan abuse?
High-dose dextromethorphan abuse is defined as taking more than 4 times the recommended dosage of dextromethorphan, typically via syrup, gel-caps, or powder formulations, in order to produce psychoactive effects.
What is an anticholinergic effect of Dextormehorphan?
Dextormehorphan has anticholinergic properties, which can result in dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and other side effects.
What are the signs of toxicity with Dextormehorphan?
Signs of toxicity with dextromethorphan use may include nerve and muscle tremors, elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing.
How is Dextormehorphan metabolized?
Dextormehorphan is metabolized in the liver by an enzyme known as CYP2D6, which is responsible for metabolizing up to 30% of known medications.
Does Dextormehorphan have any interaction with alcohol?
Yes, dextromethorphan can interact with alcohol, increasing the risk of side effects and overdose. Therefore, it is not advised to combine the two.
Can Dextormehorphan cause psychosis?
Yes, in high doses, dextromethorphan can produce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or confusion.
Does Dextormehorphan cause withdrawal symptoms?
No, dextromethorphan does not usually cause withdrawal symptoms. However, people who have consistently abused dextromethorphan may experience some psychological and physical symptoms upon discontinuation.
What is the most common side effect of Dextormehorphan?
The most common side effect of dextromethorphan is nausea.
Can Dextormehorphan cause liver damage?
Yes, high doses of dextromethorphan can cause liver damage, especially when taken in combination with other drugs.
Can overdose with Dextormehorphan be treated?
Yes, if an overdose with dextromethorphan is detected early, it can be treated with supportive care. Gastrointestinal decontamination may be helpful, as may administration of activated charcoal, fluids, and other medications.
What are the dangers of Dextormehorphan abuse?
The dangers of dextromethorphan abuse include risks of overdose, liver damage, cognitive impairment, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, and death.
What is Dextormehorphan Polistirex?
Dextormehorphan Polistirex is a time-release form of dextromethorphan that slowly releases the medication over a 12-hour period.
What conditions are treated with Dextormehorphan?
Dextormehorphan is commonly used to treat dry coughs due to upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, common cold, and other illnesses.
What other medicines should not be taken with Dextormehorphan?
Dextormehorphan should not be taken with MAOIs, SSRIs, opioid medications, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, or alcohol.
Can Dextormehorphan cause confusion?
Yes, in large doses, dextromethorphan can cause confusion and disorientation.