Dextromethorphan exhibits antitussive activity and is devoid of analgesic or addictive property. This agent crosses the blood-brain-barrier and activates sigma opioid receptors on the cough center in the central nervous system, thereby suppressing the cough reflex.

How does dextromethorphan work in the body?

Dextromethorphan works on the part of your brain responsible for the cough reflex, disrupting the communication between your brain and the nerves which provoke the coughing. It temporarily blocks the “lock” so that the “key” no longer fits.

How does dextromethorphan work in the brain?

Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called antitussives. It works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.

What receptor does dextromethorphan use?

Dextromethorphan is known to be an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist; however, dextromethorphan binding sites are not limited to the known distribution of NMDA receptors.

What is the mechanism of action of antitussive medications?

Antitussives are medicines that suppress coughing, also known as cough suppressants. Antitussives are thought to work by inhibiting a coordinating region for coughing located in the brain stem, disrupting the cough reflex arc; although the exact mechanism of action is unknown.

Does dextromethorphan make Covid worse?

But one medicine that patients with COVID-19 may be using to treat a symptom of the disease could make things worse, lab experiments hint. A common ingredient in cough medicines, dextromethorphan, stimulated the growth of SARS-CoV-2 in monkey cells in lab dishes, researchers report April 30 in Nature.

How is dextromethorphan absorbed?

Dextromethorphan is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and converted into the active metabolite dextrorphan in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2D6. The average dose necessary for effective antitussive therapy is between 10 and 45 mg, depending on the individual.

Does dextromethorphan increase serotonin?

Dextromethorphan is a moderate serotonin reuptake inhibitor. 5-7 Dextromethorphan also promotes serotonin release.

How does cough syrup affect the brain?

Consequences of Cough Syrup Abuse When abused, cough syrup affects the brain in ways that resemble illegal drugs. High doses of DXM interfere with receptors in the brain, causing hallucinations, euphoria, and loss of motor control.

Is dextromethorphan a stimulant or depressant?

DXM is an opioid without effects on pain reduction and does not act on the opioid receptors. When taken in large doses, DXM causes a depressant effect and sometimes a hallucinogenic effect, similar to PCP and ketamine.

Is DXM an NMDA agonist?

Dextromethorphan (DM) is an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and σ₁ receptor agonist used as an antitussive and in the treatment of pseudobulbar affect.

What does an NMDA antagonist do?

NMDA (short for N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonists are a class of drugs that may help treat Alzheimer’s disease, which causes memory loss, brain damage, and, eventually, death.

What do sigma receptors do?

From behavioral studies, sigma-1 receptors were shown to be involved in higher-ordered brain functions including memory and drug dependence. The actions mediated by sigma-1 receptors at the cellular level can be considered either as acute or chronic.

What is an antitussive medication used to treat?

This combination medication is used to treat symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, hay fever, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that affects a certain part of the brain (cough center), reducing the urge to cough.

What is the mechanism of action of Mucolytics?

Mucolytics can dissolve thick mucus and are usually used to help relieve respiratory difficulties. They do this by breaking down the chemical bonds between molecules in the mucus. This in turn can lower the viscosity by altering the mucin-containing components.

What is the expected effect of an antitussive agent?

The result is a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure, followed by relaxation of the vocal cords, resulting in rapid expulsion of air (Figure 12-1). Centrally acting agents such as dextromethorphan work by inhibiting the cough center in the brain, elevating the threshold for coughing.