RACEMETHORPHAN Meaning and
Definition
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Racemethorphan, also known as racemic dextromethorphan, is a synthetic compound belonging to the class of antitussive drugs. It is primarily used as a cough suppressant and is commonly found in over-the-counter cough and cold medications.
The term "racemethorphan" refers to the racemic mixture of the drug, which consists of equal amounts of both the dextro and levo enantiomers. Enantiomers are mirror-image versions of a molecule that differ in their three-dimensional arrangement. In the case of racemethorphan, the dextro enantiomer is responsible for most of the desired therapeutic effects, including cough suppression, while the levo enantiomer may contribute to potential side effects.
As an antitussive, racemethorphan acts on the cough center in the brain, suppressing the urge to cough and providing relief from non-productive coughs. It does so by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and sigma receptors in the brain, which modulates the activity of neurotransmitters involved in the cough reflex.
Due to its widespread availability and effectiveness in alleviating cough symptoms, racemethorphan has become a common ingredient in various cough syrups, lozenges, and tablets. It is important to adhere to the recommended dosage and usage guidelines provided by healthcare professionals or listed on the product label to minimize the risk of potential adverse effects and drug interactions.
It is worth mentioning that although racemethorphan is generally safe when used as directed, it has the potential for misuse and abuse, as high doses or prolonged use may lead to dependence and addiction. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using any medication containing racem
Common Misspellings for RACEMETHORPHAN
- eacemethorphan
- dacemethorphan
- facemethorphan
- tacemethorphan
- 5acemethorphan
- 4acemethorphan
- rzcemethorphan
- rscemethorphan
- rwcemethorphan
- rqcemethorphan
- raxemethorphan
- ravemethorphan
- rafemethorphan
- rademethorphan
- racwmethorphan
- racsmethorphan
- racdmethorphan
- racrmethorphan
- rac4methorphan
- rac3methorphan
Etymology of RACEMETHORPHAN
The word "Racemethorphan" is a compound term derived from two parts: "Race-" and "methorphan".
1. "Race-" is a prefix derived from the Latin word "racemus", which means "a bunch of grapes". In a medical context, the term "racemic" refers to a mixture containing equal amounts of two mirror-image isomers. Therefore, "race-" in "Racemethorphan" denotes the racemic nature of the compound.
2. "Methorphan" is a portmanteau of "meth-" and "-orphan".
- "Meth-" is short for "methyl", which refers to a chemical group consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (CH3-). In organic chemistry, "meth-" is used as a prefix to indicate the presence of a methyl group in a compound.
