Dextromethorphan is the d-isomer of 3-methoxy-N-methylmorphinan, a synthetic analogue of codeine. It is found in numerous cough syrups, tablets and capsules as the hydrobromide salt in amounts of 2.5-30 mg/dosage unit. At the recommended dosages, dextromethorphan is a safe drug. However at higher dosages it can have euphoric, stimulant and dissociative effects. It has been reported that abuse of this drug among adolescents has become widespread. Some known side effects of dextromethorphan abuse can include confusion, dizziness, double or blurred vision, slurred speech abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, drowsiness and hallucinations.
Cross Reactivity
| Analyte |
Compound |
Cross Reactivity %
|
| Dextromethorphan
LOD: 1.64 ng/mL
|
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate |
100 |
|
Dextrorphan
|
43.2
|
|
(±)-nordextromethorphan
|
16
|
|
|
(+)-3-hydroxymorphinan hydrobromide
|
0.8
|
|
|
(+)-3-methoxymorphinan hydrochloride
|
0.1
|
|
|
N-desmethyldextrorphan
|
0.1
|
