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Related Experiment Videos

Dextromethorphan-induced delirium and possible methadone interaction.

Francis E Lotrich1, Jules Rosen, Bruce G Pollock

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. lotrichfe@upmc.edu

The American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy
|August 11, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter cough medicine, can cause delirium when taken with methadone. This drug interaction occurs because methadone inhibits CYP2D6, the enzyme that metabolizes dextromethorphan.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Toxicology

Background:

  • Dextromethorphan is a widely available antitussive metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6).
  • Methadone is known to inhibit CYP2D6 activity.

Observation:

  • An elderly patient presented with delirium, hypersomnia, confusion, and lethargy.
  • These symptoms resolved after discontinuation of dextromethorphan.

Findings:

  • The patient was taking both methadone and dextromethorphan.
  • Delirium symptoms were potentially linked to the drug interaction between methadone and dextromethorphan due to CYP2D6 inhibition.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should consider potential drug interactions when prescribing medications metabolized by CYP2D6.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Investigating medication lists for interactions with dextromethorphan is crucial in evaluating patients with delirium.