dextromethorphan

noun

dex·​tro·​me·​thor·​phan ˌdek-strō-mi-ˈthȯr-ˌfan 

: 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

Adderall, dextromethorphan, pregabalin, BDO, and ketamine. — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026

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 | [email protected], 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

Jake had just overdosed on a powerful cough medication containing dextromethorphan, which can generate euphoria and hallucinations. — Jeanne Whalen, WSJ, 8 Mar. 2018

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

Rhymes for dextromethorphan

• endorphin
• orphan

Medical Definition

dextromethorphan

noun

dex·​tro·​me·​thor·​phan ˌdek-strō-mi-ˈthȯr-ˌfan 

: 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