DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROCHLORIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Dextromethorphan hydrochloride is a synthetic drug and widely used medication that is classified as a cough suppressant. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antitussives, which are primarily used to relieve coughing symptoms caused by respiratory conditions.
As the hydrochloride salt of dextromethorphan, this compound is typically formulated as a white, crystalline powder and is commonly incorporated into various over-the-counter cough and cold medications. It is known for its ability to alleviate persistent and non-productive coughs by affecting the part of the brain called the cough center, thus reducing the brain's signal to cough.
Dextromethorphan hydrochloride achieves its antitussive properties by acting on the cough reflex arc, a neural pathway that controls coughing. It does so by suppressing signals transmitted through the medulla oblongata in the brainstem. By binding to specific receptors known as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, it hinders the transmission of the cough impulse.
In addition to its cough suppressant effects, dextromethorphan hydrochloride also exhibits mild analgesic and dissociative properties, similar to those of the drug ketamine. These properties result from its action on sigma-1 receptors in the central nervous system. However, its recreational use for these effects is discouraged due to potential side effects and the risk of abuse.
Overall, dextromethorphan hydrochloride is a medication that effectively alleviates coughing symptoms caused by various respiratory conditions while providing mild analgesic properties. It is commonly found in over-the-counter cough medicines and is generally considered safe when used according to recommended dosages.
Common Misspellings for DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROCHLORIDE
- sextromethorphan hydrochloride
- xextromethorphan hydrochloride
- cextromethorphan hydrochloride
- fextromethorphan hydrochloride
- rextromethorphan hydrochloride
- eextromethorphan hydrochloride
- dwxtromethorphan hydrochloride
- dsxtromethorphan hydrochloride
- ddxtromethorphan hydrochloride
- drxtromethorphan hydrochloride
- d4xtromethorphan hydrochloride
- d3xtromethorphan hydrochloride
- deztromethorphan hydrochloride
- dectromethorphan hydrochloride
- dedtromethorphan hydrochloride
- destromethorphan hydrochloride
- dexrromethorphan hydrochloride
- dexfromethorphan hydrochloride
- dexgromethorphan hydrochloride
- dexyromethorphan hydrochloride
Etymology of DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROCHLORIDE
The word "Dextromethorphan Hydrochloride" consists of multiple components:
1. Dextromethorphan:
- Dextro- comes from the Latin word "dexter", meaning "right". In chemistry, it is used to denote a stereoisomer that rotates the plane of polarized light to the right.
- Methorphan is derived from "meth-" indicating its similarity to codeine, and "-orphan", which refers to its chemical structure being distinct from morphine.
2. Hydrochloride:
- Hydro- is derived from the Greek word "hydor", meaning "water".
- Chloride originates from the chemical element chlorine. It comes from the Greek word "khloros", meaning "pale green".
