DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE Meaning and
Definition
-
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide is a medication used primarily as an over-the-counter cough suppressant. It is derived from the morphinan class of drugs and acts as a non-opioid, synthetic central nervous system depressant.
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide works by inhibiting the cough reflex in the brain, thus providing temporary relief from coughing. It does not directly suppress or treat the underlying cause of the cough, but rather helps to alleviate the symptoms. It is commonly found in various cough and cold medications, often combined with other ingredients such as expectorants or decongestants.
The hydrobromide form of dextromethorphan is a salt that enhances its stability and solubility in water, making it suitable for oral administration. It is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion, with peak levels in the blood typically reached within 2-3 hours. The effects of dextromethorphan hydrobromide can last for about 4-6 hours.
In addition to its antitussive properties, dextromethorphan hydrobromide also exhibits some mild NMDA receptor antagonist activity, which is believed to contribute to its ability to alleviate pain, reduce symptoms of withdrawal from addictive substances, and possibly provide some antidepressant effects.
While generally safe when used as recommended, misuse or abuse of dextromethorphan hydrobromide can lead to toxic effects, such as hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, and even life-threatening outcomes at higher doses. It is therefore important to use this medication only as directed and to follow the appropriate dosage guidelines.
Common Misspellings for DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE
- sextromethorphan hydrobromide
- xextromethorphan hydrobromide
- cextromethorphan hydrobromide
- fextromethorphan hydrobromide
- rextromethorphan hydrobromide
- eextromethorphan hydrobromide
- dwxtromethorphan hydrobromide
- dsxtromethorphan hydrobromide
- ddxtromethorphan hydrobromide
- drxtromethorphan hydrobromide
- d4xtromethorphan hydrobromide
- d3xtromethorphan hydrobromide
- deztromethorphan hydrobromide
- dectromethorphan hydrobromide
- dedtromethorphan hydrobromide
- destromethorphan hydrobromide
- dexrromethorphan hydrobromide
- dexfromethorphan hydrobromide
- dexgromethorphan hydrobromide
- dexyromethorphan hydrobromide
Etymology of DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE
The etymology of the word "Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide" can be broken down as follows:
1. Dextromethorphan:
- "Dextro-" is derived from the Latin word "dexter", meaning "right" or "on the right side".
- "Methorphan" is derived from "meth-" (a shortened form of "methyl") and "orphan".
- The term "orphan" refers to the fact that dextromethorphan was developed as a codeine derivative with reduced opioid activity.
2. Hydrobromide:
- "Hydro-" is derived from the Greek word "hydor", meaning "water".
- "Bromide" refers to a compound that contains bromine.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
