Pronunciation: [dˈɛkstɹɔːfən] (IPA) 
Dextrorphan is a chemical compound often used as a cough suppressant. The word is spelled with an "x" instead of a "c" because it is derived from the Latin word for right, "dexter." In IPA phonetic transcription, dextrorphan is spelled /dɛkstrɔrfən/. The "x" is pronounced as /ks/, while the "ph" in "orphan" is pronounced as /f/. The stress falls on the second syllable, making it pronounced as dex-TROHR-fan.
Dextrorphan is a pharmaceutical compound that is classified as an opioid antagonist. This term is derived from the Greek words "dextri," meaning "right," and "orphan," referring to its chemical similarity to the opioid compound, levorphanol. Dextrorphan is commonly used in medicine as a cough suppressant and is often found in over-the-counter cough remedies.
As an opioid antagonist, dextrorphan acts on the central nervous system by inhibiting the activity of opioid receptors. By doing so, it helps to alleviate coughing and related symptoms by reducing the excitability of the cough reflex. This effect is achieved by interfering with the communication between nerve cells in the brain that regulate coughing.
Dextrorphan is considered to be a non-narcotic antitussive drug, meaning it does not produce the same addictive or euphoric effects commonly associated with opioids. Its mechanism of action is largely limited to its cough-suppressing properties, and it lacks analgesic properties typical of other opioids.
Although generally safe when used as directed, dextrorphan, like any pharmaceutical compound, may carry potential side effects. These can include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and stomach upset. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with healthcare professionals if any adverse reactions occur. Additionally, it is not recommended to combine dextrorphan with other medications that cause drowsiness or depression of the central nervous system, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
The word "dextrorphan" is derived from the combination of two separate elements: "dextro" and "orphan".
- "Dextro" comes from the Latin word "dexter", which means "right" or "on the right side". In the context of pharmaceuticals, "dextro" is often used to indicate the right-handed form of a molecule.
- "Orphan" refers to a substance or compound that is structurally related to another compound but lacks a significant physiological effect.
When these two elements are combined, "dextrorphan" refers to the right-handed enantiomer of a compound called "levorphanol", which is an opioid analgesic. The term is commonly used in pharmacology and chemistry.
