dextromethorphan

noun

dex·​tro·​me·​thor·​phan ˌdek-strō-mi-ˈthȯr-ˌfan How to pronounce dextromethorphan (audio)
: a cough suppressant C18H25NO that is widely used especially in the form of a hydrated hydrogen bromide complex

Examples of dextromethorphan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The researchers also tested dextromethorphan, a Sigma-receptor-targeting drug in many brands of cough syrup. Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2020 For example, the cough suppressant medication dextromethorphan, found in over-the-counter medicines like Robitussin, caused false positive drug screens about 24% of the time, according to one study cited in a 2017 Mayo Clinic report. Anna Claire Vollers | Avollers@al.com, al, 9 Feb. 2020 Lobbying Lineup Five organizations that have lobbied on Ohio House Bill 29, which prohibits stores from selling dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant in name brands such as Robitussin or NyQuil, to people under age 18. Laura Hancock, cleveland, 18 Dec. 2019 For the power of meds and the calming feeling of honey, this formula is the only one that combines a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), a cough expectorant (guaifenesin) and 19% natural grade A honey. Good Housekeeping Editors, Good Housekeeping, 16 Oct. 2019 Both codeine and dextromethorphan carry the potential for abuse and have serious side effects that have led to warnings from the Food and Drug Administration. Richard Klasco, M.d., New York Times, 6 Apr. 2018 But a systematic review concluded that dextromethorphan was about as good as honey at reducing cough frequency. Richard Klasco, M.d., New York Times, 6 Apr. 2018 Jake had just overdosed on a powerful cough medication containing dextromethorphan, which can generate euphoria and hallucinations. Jeanne Whalen, WSJ, 8 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dextromethorphan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

dextr- + methyl + morphinan parent substance of morphine alkaloids, from morphine + -an entry 3

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dextromethorphan was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near dextromethorphan

Cite this Entry

“Dextromethorphan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dextromethorphan. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

dextromethorphan

noun
dex·​tro·​me·​thor·​phan ˌdek-strō-mi-ˈthȯr-ˌfan How to pronounce dextromethorphan (audio)
: a cough suppressant that is widely used especially in the form of its hydrobromide C18H25NO·HBr in over-the-counter cough and cold preparations and is a codeine analog of levorphanol lacking the analgesic properties of codeine and producing little or no depression of the central nervous system
abbreviation DXM

More from Merriam-Webster on dextromethorphan

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!