Dextromethorphan is a very popular and over-the-counter cough suppressant. It is chemically a non-opioid derivative of morphine. What are the indications and contraindications for the use of dextromethorphan? Who can use it? What are the symptoms of a dextromethorphan overdose?

Dextromethorphanis a medicinal substance used in many drugs whose task is to fight the so-called cough dry. Coughing - despite the inconvenience it brings - is a much-needed defensive reflex of the body, it aims to clear our respiratory system.

Sometimes, however, an excessive cough can harm more than help the patient. All because it can, for example, cause problems with falling asleep, muscle pain, irritation of the throat and many other ailments - then drugs are used to sooth or suppress cough. Their task is to reduce its frequency and intensity.

The cough reflex is a very complex reflex and includes, among others, central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, as well as smooth muscles and the mucosa of the respiratory system.

The stimulation of cough receptors located in the mucosa can occur both through the action of inflammatory transmitters (also known as mediators), secretions of the bronchial tree, and external substances such as dust, smoke, etc.

Dextromethorphan can be used in each of these situations.

Dextromethorphan: indications

  • symptomatic treatment of dry, unproductive cough of various origins, e.g. in pharyngitis, bronchitis, laryngitis and pleural cough
  • alleviating cough caused by inhaling external irritants

Dextromethorphan is absorbed very quickly after oral ingestion, the onset of action is observed as early as 10-30 minutes after administration, and the effect lasts for 5-6 hours in adults and 6-9 hours in children and the elderly.

Dextromethorphan is available on the pharmacy market on its own, in the form of one-component preparations, but also in complex preparations, e.g.

  • with soothing dexpanthenol
  • with decongestant pseudoephedrine and triprolidine
  • with painkiller andantipyretic paracetamol and promethazine
  • with paracetamol and pseudoephedrine
  • with linden inflorescence extract
  • with fennel and pine fruit extracts

Dextromethorphan and pregnancy and lactation

Currently, there are no reliable and confirmed studies on the passage of the drug through the placenta and its excretion in breast milk.

Therefore, no correlation was found between maternal use of dextromethorphan during pregnancy and the occurrence of congenital abnormalities and abnormalities in newborns. All because such tests are not carried out on pregnant or lactating women - it carries too much risk.

Due to the fact that the complete safety of using dextromethorphan during pregnancy is unknown, the drug belongs to group C according to the classification of the Food and Drug Administration - i.e. drugs for which no disturbances were found in experimental tests on animals, but the risk to the fetus has not been confirmed, but also has not been completely ruled out.

Therefore, before the expectant mother reaches for preparations with dextromethorphan, she should consult a doctor.

Dextromethorphan: addiction

In case of prolonged use, dextromethorphan can unfortunately cause psychological dependence. Physical dependence with this substance is virtually impossible.

However, dextromethorphan has a strong influence on the psyche and, if abused, it can cause problems with memory and concentration, and very often used it can lead to serious and difficult to treat mental disorders.

Unfortunately, at least a few deaths have been confirmed when dectromethorphan is combined with other substances. And it should be noted that taking medications for purposes other than those indicated in the leaflet or prescribed by a doctor on a prescription is an increasingly frequent phenomenon.

People who are already addicted to various substances and experimenting with psychoactive substances constitute a particularly numerous group of supporters of the non-therapeutic effects of consuming pharmacological substances, and adolescents constitute an increasing percentage here, and what frightens the most - also children up to 12 years of age.
The intoxicating effect of dextromethorphan depends on the dose, psychophysical state of the user and other substances taken at the same time.

It often happens that similar doses can cause various effects, sometimes definitely different from the expected ones.

Using this substance may result in:

  • feeling euphoric
  • agitationmovement
  • excessive verbosity
  • trouble remembering and understanding basic concepts
  • distortion of sensory experiences, even up to hallucinations and a feeling of complete alienation
  • anxiety
  • anxiety and panic attacks
  • itching
  • "dead body"
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea and other digestive ailments

An additional risk is the fact that drugs with dectromethorphan are taken, which also contain other substances that are not indifferent to the body, such as paracetamol or ephedrine (they can also be quite easily overdosed).

The strongly growing tolerance to this drug often causes ideas to abuse it with alcohol, which may result in numerous and unpredictable side effects, irreversible changes in the body, and sometimes even death.

Dextromethorphan: symptoms after overdose

  • excessive and difficult to control agitation, disturbance of consciousness, state of confusion and confusion
  • neurological symptoms including sleepiness, dizziness, light-headedness, tinnitus, fatigue, slurred, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, and visual disturbances
  • psychotic disorders, including hallucinations and confusion

Very high doses of dextromethorphan can cause a life-threatening and he alth-threatening respiratory depression (slowed breathing).

In the event of overdose, symptomatic treatment is usually sufficient. Gastric lavage may also be used. In extreme cases, the use of naloxone (naloxone hydrochloride) brings positive results.

It is a specific dectromethorphan antagonist - it is most often used in children.

Taking into account the previously mentioned disadvantages of dextromethorphan, you should be cautious and vigilant while taking it, and if you experience any disturbing symptoms, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Parents should also be vigilant when they notice any disturbing symptoms in their children. Therefore, it is very important that this drug is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions contained in the leaflet or as directed by a doctor.

About the authorKarolina NowakA pharmaceutical technician by education. Currently, he is professionally fulfilled working in a pharmacy. Empathetic, sensitive and fond of contact with other people. Privately, a lover of a good book.

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