Dextrorphan

Dextrorphan (DXO) is a pharmacologically active metabolite of dextromethorphan (DXM).

Dextrorphan
Systematic (IUPAC) name
17-methyl-9a,13a,14a-morphinan-3-ol
Identifiers
CAS number	125-73-5
ATC code	?
PubChem	5360697
Chemical data
Formula	C17H23NO
Mol. mass	257.371 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Half life	?
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
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Legal status
Routes	?

Chemistry

It is the result of O-demethylation of the prodrug by several enzymatic systems, although it is chiefly a product of the Cytochrome P450 IID6 (CYP2D6) pathway.

Pharmacology

Dextrorphan is structurally similar to dextromethorphan, and has an affinity for the same receptors in the central nervous system, although with a slight difference in selectivity. While dextromethorphan is a weak non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, dextrorphan is a more potent antagonist[1].

It should be noted, however, that due to its potency as an NMDA receptor antagonist, as well as the fact that it is produced as a by-product of DXM metabolization in the body, DXO is thought to be largely responsible for the psychological side-effects that occur at high doses of DXM. These side-effects can include alteration of consciousness, or "cognitive dissociation", which are characteristic of NMDA blockade and which have afforded DXM its potential for use as a recreational drug.

See also

• Levorphanol
• Dextromethorphan
• Ketamine (compound that acts most similarly to dextrorphan)
• Hallucinogen
• Psychedelic
• Racemethorphan
• Morphinans